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^^  PRINCETON,  N.  J.  ^ 

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The  Christian's  companion  t 
the  sick  and  afflicted 


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THE 


CHRISTIAN'S  COMPANION 


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CONTAINIWfJ, 

IN   ADBITION   TO    MANY   ORIGINAL    PRAYERS,    A   NUMBEK  9B- 
LEOTED    FROM  SOME  OF  THE  MOST  POPULAR  DEVOTIONAL 
■works;     including      some     occasional     OFFICES, 
PROM     THE      BOOK     OF     COMMON     PRAYER.      TO 
WHIOH   IS   ADDED    A   VERY  CHOICE   COLLEC- 
TION  OF   MATTER   FOR    READING,   WITH 
SEVERAL    ADDRESSES. 


AUTHOR  OF  AN  '"AID  TO  DOMESTIC  WORSHIP" 


As  o'er  the  earth  the  evening  dew. 

Or  g:ent!e  spring's  refreshing  showers, 
The  moistening  balm  distil 

To  waka  to  life  the  drooping  flowers. 
So  fulls  upon  the  sorrowing  heart 

The  soothing  voice  of  Christian  prayer, 
And  words  of  pitying  love 

Leave  peace  aad  heavenly  calinne33  there. 


SECOND       EDITION. 

JSTEW  YORK : 
STANFOED    AND    DELISSER, 

No.    637,    BROADWAY. 
1858. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congresj,  In  the  year  1853,  by  SiAlTFORn 
AND  S\TOEDS,  in  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the 
United  States  for  the  Southern  District  of  New  York. 


Printed  and  Stereolj/pcd  by  Billin  ana  Brvtlter,  20   Nortli  William  St.,  A'.  K 


The  Publishers  of  "  The  Christian's  Coixv 
panion"  and  "The  Aid  to  Domestic  Wor- 
ship,"  by  the  same  writer,  would  hereby 
notify  the  public  that  the  author  of  these 
very  valuable  works — edited  at  an  expense 
of  several  thousand  dollars — has  generously 
authorized  them  to  use  the  net  proceeds  of 
the  sales  thereof,  for  their  gratuitous  distri- 
bution in  a  cheap  form  to  such  pious  indi- 
viduals, of  all  denominations,  as  may  be 
desirous  of  them,  but  who  may  not  be  able 
to  purchase  them  themselves.  In  preparing 
them  for  the  press,  he  has  been  actuated 
solely  by  the  benevolent  motive  of  bene- 
fitting his  fellow-creatures,  and  of  promoting 
the  cause  of  piety  and  virtue,  and  not  from 
any  desire  or  expectation  of  pecuniary  pro- 
fit to  himself.  The  announcement  of  these 
facts  they  trust  will  serve  to  augment  the 
circulation  of  these  books,  and  consequently 
to  promote  their  usefulness. 


P  wfi  have   HnnA  'i 


<r  ye  have  done  *©, 

1 
ME. 


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^SJIB  CjiriatiiiE'B  dDnmpEninE. 


"  Think  not  the  good. 
The  gentle  deeds  of  mercy,  thou  hast  done, 
Shall  die  forgotten  all ;  —  the  poor,  the  prisoner, 
The  fatherless,  the  friendless,  and  the  widow, 
"Who  daily  own  the  bounty  of  thy  hand. 
Shall  cry  to  Heaven,  and  draw  a  Blessing  down." 


dDpiuinti  nf  ttjB  Wnt 

By  Mr.  ,  A.  M.* 

At  the  request  of  the  author  of  the  "  Christian's 
Companion,"  I  have  given  the  whole  a  very  careful 
and  thorough  examination.  With  no  prejudice, 
except  that  induced  by  the  intrinsic  merits,  beau- 
ties, and  excellences  of  the  entire  work,  as  I  have 
progressed  through  its  rich  and  glowing  pages,  I 
believe  it  will  be  a  most  invaluable  accession  to  the 
religious  books  now  in  use,  within  the  sphere  of 
Christian  duty  and  benevolence.  The  character  of 
the  book,  the  end  it  has  in  view,  and  its  compre- 
hensiveness, so  varied  and  so  complete,  will  render 
it  adequate  to  fill  that  void  which  has  been  so  often 
felt  by  the  benevolent  Christian  in  the  discharge  of 
his  duties  among  the  sick  and  afiiicted.  To  them, 
too,  for  whom  it  seems  to  have  been  chiefly  de- 
signed, for  their  spiritual  benefit  and  consolation, 
it  will  prove  an  instructive,  silent,  but  eloquent 
preacher, 'pointing  them  to  the  Great  Source  of 
all  happiness,  directing  their  steps  thereto,  en- 
couraging and  reviving  the  drooping  spirit,  and 
enlightening  the  hope  with  a  glowing  and  reliable 
assurance  of  its  full  fruition  hereafter. 

The  Prayers  form  the  best  collection  I  have  ever 
read.  Besides  their  literary  merit,  perspicuity  of 
style,  &c.,  for  which  they  excel,  they  breathe  such 
a  spirit  of  fervor,  meekness,  faith,  hope,  and  peni- 
tence, that  they  need  but  be  read  to  be  felt.    In 

*  As  the  author  has  not  given  his  name  to  the  public,  that 
of  the  writer  of  this  "  Opinion  "  is  gurposely  withheld  also. 

(5) 


6  OPINION    OF    THE    WORK. 

their  variety  they  embrace  almost  every  exigency 
in  human  life.  From  the  cradle  of  infancy  to  the 
death  bed  of  age,  from  the  impenitent  to  the  "  saint 
just  on  the  wing  for  heaven,"  this  book  contains 
an  appropriate  prayer  for  each  and  all  in  affliction. 

The  Stinday  School  Teacher  and  Scholar  will  also 
here  find  the  most  beautiful  and  appropriate  prayers 
for  their  use  and  benefit. 

The  Reading  Matter  of  the  work,  interspersed 
with  appropriate  and  beautiful  poetiy,  is  a  Casket 
OF  Jewels  that  can  make  even  the  pallid  broAv  of 
death  radiant  with  beaming  hope  and  joy. 

No  believer  of  the  Bible,  even  in  the  vigor  of 
health,  can  read  this  portion  of  the  book  without 
such  emotions  respecting  heaven,  eternity,  hap- 
piness, and  his  own  immortality,  as  will  make  him 
better  for  having  perused  it.  To  the  sick  and 
afflicted,  containing  as  it  does  so  much  of  the 
soothing  language  of  the  Scriptures,  accompanied 
with  appropriate  encouragements,  in  the  spirit  of 
kindness  and  sincerity,  explaining  and  applying 
the  blessed  promises  of  God  and  the  Savior  to 
the  sick,  —  I  say,  I  believe,  next  to  the  Bible,  it  will 
be  their  best  book  of  comfort  and  consolation. 

The  diversity  and  applicability  of  its  contents  to 
the  duties  of  the  Pastor  will,  I  am  confident,  rec- 
ommend it  at  once  to  his  favor  and  patronage : 
written  in  the  orthodox  doctrines  of  his  faith,  he 
will  find  it  a  convenient  aid  to  his  ministrations 
upon  the  sick  and  afflicted. 

In  short,  this  work,  from  its  practical  utility,  from 
the  nature  of  its  objects,  from  the  comprehensive- 
ness and  spirit  of  its  contents,  strongly  commends 
itself  to  the  use  and  patronage  of  all ;  but  especially 
-O  the  Pastor,  the  Sunday  School  Teacher,  and  the 
Sick :  to  the  latter  it  cannot  be  too  highly  recom- 


OPINION   OF   THE   WORK.  7 

mended,  as,  in  my  humble  opinion,  there  is  not  its 
equal  of  a  similar  character  extaiU.  And  when  given 
to  the  public,  it  oannot  fail  to  accomplish  the  good 
and  administer  the  comfort  for  which  it  was  de- 
signed by  its  benevolent  author,  —  a  gentleman  of 

the  highest  standing and  philanthropy. 

To  his  acquaintances  it  is  sufficient  to  say,  that 
the  book  is  worthy  o*^  its  author. 


^xihih 


The  author  of  this  work,  having  had  no  knowl- 
edge of  any  manual  of  devotion,  combining  suit- 
able matter  for  reading  and  prayer,  sufficiently  full 
and  comprehensive  to  meet  the  diversified  charac- 
ter and  condition  of  the  sick  and  afflicted,  has  been 
induced  to  attempt  to  supply  the  want  of  it  by  the 
publication  of  this. 

Suffering  and  sorrow  being  the  common  lot  of 
humanity,  whatever  has  a  tendency  in  any  measure 
to  mitigate  or  relieve  it,  cannot  be  otherwise  than 
useful.  And  calculated  as  this  book  is,  in  the 
hands  of  the  pious  and  good,  and  with  the  blessing 
of  God,  to  produce  this  effect,  he  flatters  himself 
that  it  may  be  the  means  of  promoting,  extensively, 
the  spiritual  and  eternal  welfare  of  "  the  sons  and 
daughters  of  affliction." 

With  a  view  to  accommodate  it  to  the  use  of  the 
Clergy  in  their  «Qinistrations  on  the  sick  and  dy- 
ing, the  author  has  incorporated  most  of  the  offices 
for  the  sick  in  the  Common  Prayer  Book,  together 
with  its  inimitably  beautiful  and  impressive  service 
for  the  dead.  This  circumstance,  he  trusts,  in  con- 
nection with  the  suitable  adaptation  of  the  rest  of 
its  contents  to  the  requirements  of  those  who  "are 
any  ways  afflicted  or  distressed  in  mind,  body,  or 
estate,"  will  commend  it  to  their  approbation  and 
use.  To  make  it  the  more  acceptable  to  them,  and 
also  to  all  others  who  may  be  disposed  to  cooperate 
with  them  in  the  godlike  Avork  of  alleviating  the 
distresses  of  their  fellow-creatures,  (and  many  such 
there  are  in  this  age  of  active  Christian  benevo- 
lence,) he  has  taken  care  that  the  prayers  should 

(S) 


PREFACE. 


De  suflaciently  various ;  and  that  tae  topics  of  re- 
ligious consolation,  and  matter  for  discourse  with 
the  afflicted,  should  be  copious  and  appropriate. 
With  this  view  also  he  has  had  it  put  in  a  form  that 
will  make  it  conveniently  portable. 

With  regard  to  the  devotional  part,  he  would 
here  remark,  that  the  prayers  are  so  arranged  as  to 
admit  of  their  being  readily  diversified,  should 
occasion  require,  merely  by  the  transposition  of 
one  or  more  portions  of  one  prayer  to  those  of 
another. 

In  the  matter  for  reading  will  be  found  much, 
calculated,  not  only  to  instruct  and  edify,  but  also 
to  excite  and  foster  a  spirit  of  piety  and  benevo- 
lence, as  well  as  to  comfort  and  encourage  those 
who  are  already  engaged  in  works  of  charity  and 
love.  This  was  inserted  with  particular  reference 
to  the  young,  as  many  Sunday  School  Teach- 
ers and  others  (see  the  following  poetical  descrip- 
tion of  "the  Female  Sunday  School  Teacher") 
will  doubtless  have  occasion  to  provide  themselves 
with  a  copy  of  this  work.  And  for  their  use  also 
it  was,  that  the  prayers  designed  to  be  offered  for 
Sunday  Scholars  were  -^yritten. 

In  conclusion,  the  author  would  take  the  liberty 
to  suggest  to  all  parents  the  propriety  of  putting 
at  least  one  copy  of  this  manual  in  the  hands  of 
their  children,  and  also  of  encouraging  them  in 
the  frequent  use  of  it  among  the  many  "who  are 
in  sorrow,  trouble,  need,  sickness,  or  adversity"  of 
any  kind.  By  so  doing,  not  only  would  they  see 
them  happy  in  that  "  luxury''  of  feeling  which  those 
only  experience  who  thus  employ  themselves,  but 
would  also  be  likely  to  have  the  satisfaction  of  hav 
ing  them  grow  up  beautiful  ornaments  of  religion^ 
and  instruments  of  grod  in  their  generation.     And 


10  PREFACE. 

thus  doing,  they  would  live  in  a  manner  answerable 
to  the  requirements  of  Him  who  himself  "  went 
about  doing  good,"  and  who,  by  the  mouth  of  his 
apostle,  has  said,  "  To  do  good  and  to  communi- 
cate, forget  not." 

In  the  service  of  mankind  to  be 
A  Guardian  Angel  here  below,  —  to  employ 
Life's  fleeting  hours  in  godlike  deeds,  — 
Such  as  may  raise  us  above  the  world, 
And  make  us  shine  forever  —  this  is 
The  Christian's  life. 


The  Female  Sunday  School  Teacher. 

ORIGINAL. 

The  last  at  the  foot  of  the  cross,  who  stood  weeping, 

The  first  at  the  door  of  the  tomb  to  proclaim 
Her  Savior  in  death  there  no  longer  was  sleeping, 

Was  pitying  woman,  who's  ever  tlie  same. 
It  is  not  the  grace  of  her  form,  nor  her  beauty, 

That  lends  to  her  influence  the  power  of  its  charm  ; 
A  heart  that's  inclined  to  lofe,  pity,  and  duty. 

With  virtue,  to  woman  e'er  gives  the  bright  palm. 

By  nature  endowed  with  kindness  and  love, 
With  sympathies  pure,  and  feelings  refined. 

With  graces  adorned,  that  flow  from  above. 
To  God  and  religion  her  heart  e'er  inclined,  — 

O,  who,  in  the  paths  of  virtue  and  truth, 

So  fitted  to  lead  the  child  and  the  youth  ! 

The  fields  of  her  toil,  that  are  brightest  with  fioweis 
Immortal  in  beauty,  when  cultured  to  bloom, 


PEEFACB.  1 1 

And  gladden  with  glory  perennial  bowers, 

Redeemed  from  the  blight  and  decay  of  the  tomb, 
Are  Sunday  School  fields,  —  her  pupils  the  flowers, 
Whose  spirits  she  nurtures  for  heavenly  bowers 

Toil  on !  for  the  seed  (ere  the  tares)  that  is  sown, 
Though  choked  for  a  while,  kind  memory  will  keep 

And  when  youthful  fancies  and  follies  have  flown. 
The  fruits  of  true  wisdom  and  piety  will  reapj 

Though  bending  with  age,  yet  gleaming  with  gold, 

The  harvest  shall  count  to  thee,  hundreds  in  fold. 

Toil  on  !  thou  art  moulding  the  pillar  of  state,  — 
Art  clothing  the  warrior  in  armor  of  truth  j 

The  preacher,  the  statesman,  the  good  and  the  great  > 
Jill,  all  thou  art  fashioning  there  in  the  youth. 

O,  teach  them  in  faith  their  Redeemer  to  love, 

Obedient  to  God,  their  Creator,  above. 

Toil  on !  those  sweet  flowerets,  so  lovely  in  bloom. 
That  death  hath  relentlessly  snatched  from  thy  care. 

And,  withering,  consigned  to  the  dust  of  the  tomb, 
More  lovely  are  blooming  in  paradise,  where 

Sweet  voices  in  anthems  of  gladness  they  raise, 

Their  Savior  and  thee,  forever  to  praise. 

Toil  on  !  those  young  spirits,  so  gentle  and  pure, 
That  glow  with  delight  of  their  Savior  to  hear, 

Thy  teachings  will  save  from  the  vices  that  lure ;  — 
In  heaven  the  robes  thou  art  weaving  they'll  wear. 

Adorning  tk7j  crown  with  bright  jewels  that  glow. 

Rewarding  thy  labor  in  Christ's  vineyard  below 


Scte  tn  ^rattWH, 


PART  FIRST. 

An  Office  of  Devotion,  that  may  be  used  with  the  Sick. .  18 

Another  Office  of  Devotion 20 

For  a  sick  Child ! 22 

For  one  troubled  in  Mind  or  Conscience 22 

For  a  Case  of  sudden  Surprise,  and  immediate  Danger..  23 

For  a  Case  of  small  Hope  of  Recovery 23 

A  commendatory  Prayer  at  the  Point  of  Departure  ....  24 

Thanksgiving  for  the  Beginning  of  a  Recovery 25 

Collects  to  be  used  before  or  after  the  Prayers 26 

A  general  Prayer  for  the  Sick 28 

Another  general  Prayer  for  the  Sick 29 

For  a  sick  Person 30 

For  one  very  sick,  and  in  much  Pain 32 

Another,  for  one  very  sick,  and  in  much  Pain 33 

For  a  very  sick  Person 35 

For  one  that  his  Sickness  may  be  sanctified  to  his  Good..  37 
For  Recovery,  and  for  spiritual  Consolation  and  Benefit  39 

For  a  sick  Person  —  a  general  Prayer 40 

For  a  sick  Person 41 

A  penitential  Prayer 42 

For  an  impenitent  Person 44 

For  one  in  a  bad  State 44 

For  an  impenitent  Sinner 45 

For  one  who  is  penitent 47 

Another  Prayer  for  one  who  is  penitent ; . . . .  48 

(12) 


INDEX    TO   PRATERS.  13 

For  Forgiveness 49 

For  one  much  dejected  in  Mind 50 

For  a  sick  Person  troubled  with   Doubts   and   Difficul- 
ties    51 

For  a  Person  in  Despondency 53 

For  a  sick  Person  of  weak  Faith 54 

For  a  sick  Person  who  desireth  Pardon 55 

For  a  sick  Person  who  is  in  great  Want  of  Sleep 57 

For  Consolation 58 

For  Submission 59 

Another  Prayer  for  Submission  and  Resignation 59 

When  any  Member  of  the  Family  is  sick 61 

A  Prayer  under   sad  Accidents  and    Disasters  befalling 

the  Body 61 

For  one  who  has  experienced  a  heavy  Affliction,  and  also 

for  the  Family Cg 

For  the  Afflicted 64 

Another  Prayer  for  the  Afflicted 65 

For  one  under  grievous  Pains 65 

A  second  Prayer  for  one  in  great  Pain 67 

A  third  Prayer  for  one  under  grievous  Pains 69 

For  one  who  cannot  unite  in   the   Prayer   uuderstand- 

ingly 70 

For  one  who  has  experienced  Ease,  both  of  Mind  and 

Body 71 

For  one  who  has  experienced  much  Relief 73 

Another  for  one  who  is  much  better 74 

Thanksgiving  for  complete  Recovery 76 

Another  Thanksgiving  for  complete  Recovery 77 

Thanksgiving  for  Recovery 78 

A  Prayer  that  may  be  added  to  either  of  the  foregoing.  79 

For  a  young  Person  who  is  sick 79 

For  a  sick  Cliild  , 81 

A  second  Prayer 81 

A  third  Prayer 82 


14  INDEX    TO    PRATERS. 

For  a  Child  that  is  likely  to  die 83 

For  a  Sunday  School  Scholar,  very  sick 84 

For  a  Sunday  School   Scholar  of  responsible  Age,  sick 

and  anxious  about  the  Salvation  of  his  Soul 85 

For  a  Sunday  School  Scholar,  sick  and  penitent 86 

For  a  Sunday  School  Scholar  of  responsible  Age,  sick 

unto  Death,  and  without  Hope  in  Christ 87 

For  a  Sunday  School  Teacher  in  Sickness  and  Pain  ....  88 
For  a  Family,  suddenly  bereaved  of  a  Child  by  Acci- 
dent       90 

For  a  Family,  of  which  two  or  more  are  sick  with  a 

contagious  Disease 91 

A  Prayer  with  a  Family 93 

Anotlier  Prayer  with  a  Family 95 

For  a  Sunday  School  Scholar,  sick  and  in  great  Pain. . . .  96 
For  a  Sunday  School  Scholar,   in  a  protracted  Illness, 

with  slight  Hopes  of  Recovery 97 

For  a  Sunday  School  Scholar  in  Pain,  who  has  recently 

met  with  a  severe  Accident 98 

For  a  Person  who  is  very  sick 100 

For  one  very  ill 101 

Another  for  one  very  iU 103 

For  one  dangerously  ill 104 

Another  for  one  dangerously  ill 105 

For  one  very  sick,  that  he  may  be  resigned  to  die 106 

For  a  due  Preparation  for  Death 107 

A  Prayer  with  one  who  has  Thoughts  of  being  baptized    108 

A  Prayer  with  one  who  desires  Baptism 110 

A  Prayer  with  a  baptized  Person,  in  Relation  to  the 

Lord's  Supper Ill 

For  a  dying  Man  past  Hope  of  Recovery 112 

For  one  dying 113 

For  one  past  Hope  of  Recovery 115 

For  a  dying  Person 116 

Prayer  that  may  be  used  with  some  of  the  preceding 


INDEX    TO   PRATERS.  15 

Prayers,  when  there  appears  but  little  Hope  of  Re- 
covery    116 

Prayers  that  may  be  added,  either  separately  or  entire. . .  117 
Prayer  that  can  be  added  to  some  other  Prayer  for  onfe 

who  is  very  sick 118 

Prayer  to  be  used  after  the  Departure  of  the  Soul 118 

A  Prayer  for  the  Family  of  the  Deceased 119 

Another  Prayer  for  the  Family  of  the  Deceased 119 

On  the  Death  of  a  Friend 120 

After  the  Death  of  a  Friend  or  Relative 120 

A  Prayer  that  may  be  added 121 

Another,  that  may  be  said  after  the  Death  of  a  Person . .  122 

After  the  Death  of  a  Neighbor 122 

After  the  Death  of  a  Child,  or  on  Occasion  of  a  Fu- 
neral     123 

Another,  upon  the  Death  of  a  Christian  Friend 12^1 

A  Prayer  for  a  Family  on  Occasion  of  the  Death  of 
one  of  its  Members.    It  may  be  used  also  before  the 

Funeral 12S 

One  or  more  of  he  following  may  be  used  in  connec- 
tion with  the  above,  as  the  circumstances  of  the 
case   may   be.      For    the  Husband  of   a    deceased 

Wife 127 

For  the  Wife  of  a  deceased  Husband 127 

For  the  Children 127 

A  Prayer  that  may  be  said  either  before  or  after  a  Fu- 
neral    128 

Another,  to  be  used  before  a  Funeral,  or  after  the  De- 
cease of  a  Person 129 

The  Order  for  the  Burial  of  the  Dead 131 

Funeral  Hymns 138 


**  Sickness  and  affliction  weigh  down  the  spirit  of  man, 
and  prostrate  all  his  powers.  Hence  he  requires  all  that 
human  sympathy  and  friendship  can  give  him.  And  never 
is  man  seen  in  a  more  amiable  and  benevolent  character 
than  when  ministering  to  the  distresses  of  his  fellow-man, 
and  compassionating  him  by  the  compassion  wherewith  he 
himself  has  been  compassionated  of  God." 

"  Taught  by  that  Power  that  pities  me, 
I  leain  to  pity  them." 


(16) 


SJe  3lu):urs  of  2u):uries. 

Gk)  thou  and  wipe  away  the  tear  which  dims  the  widow's 

eye, 
Be  a  father  to  the  fatherless,  and  still  the  orphan's  sigh  ; 
Help  thou  thy  brother  in  distress,  with  open  hand  and  heart ; 
But  do  thou  this  when  seen  by  none  save  Him  who  dwells 

apart. 
Rejoice  with  those  of   spirits    glad ;   upraise   the   drooping 

head, 
And  to  the  wretched,  let  thy  words  bring  back  the  hope 

long  fled. 
Forgive  as  thou  wouldst  be  forgiven,  and  for  thy  fellows 

live ; 
Be  happy  in  the  happiness  thou  canst  to  others  give. 
These  are  the  heavenly  luxuries  the  poorest  can  enjoy; 
These  are  the  blissful  banquets  of  which  none  can  ever  cloy. 
Rich  and  poor,  old  and  young,  know  this,  as  well  ye  should : 
The  Luxury  of  Luxuries  is  that  of  doing  good. 

2  rr> 


fart  fix± 


AN   OFFICE    OF    DEVOTION,    THAT    MAT   BE    USED 
WITH    THE    SICK. 

WE  bow  down  before  thee,  0  Lord  of  heaven 
and  earth,  acknowledging  that  we  are  but 
dust,  and  unworthy  to  sjoeak  to  thee  either  for 
ourselves  or  others. 

And  yet,  notwithstanding  our  unworthiness,  we 
are  encouraged  by  thy  gracious  promises  and  en- 
dearing goodness  to  approach  thy  throne  of  mercy 
with  hope  and  confidence,  and  to  supplicate  thy 
favor  in  behalf  of  this  thy  sick  servant. 

Let  thy  merciful  ears,  0  Lord,  be  now  open  to 
our  prayers  ;  and  that  we  may  obtain  our  petitions, 
make  us  to  ask  such  things  as  please  thee,  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

O  Lord,  look  down  from  heaven,  we  humbly 
beseech  thee:  behold,  visit,  and  relieve  this  thy  sick 
servant,  in  whose  behalf  we  now  pray.  Look  upon 
him  with  the  eyes  of  thy  mercy,  comfort  him  with 
a  sense  of  thy  goodness,  preserve  him  from  the 
temptation  of  the  enemy,  and  keep  him  in  peace 
and  safety,  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord 

Here   use  what  follows,  or  such  other  Prayers  in   tMs   book 
as  may  be  suitable 

HEAR  us,  almighty  and  most  merciful  God  and 
Savior ;  extend  thy  accustomed  goodness  to 
this  thy  servant,  whom  thou  hast  afflicted  with 
sickness.  Sanctify  this  thy  fatherly  correction  to 
him,    that   the  sense   of  his   weakness   mav   add 

(18) 


PRATERS.  19 

Strength  to  his  faith,  and  seriousness  to  his  repent- 
ance ;  that  if  it  shall  be  thy  good  pleasure  to  re- 
store him  to  his  former  health,  he  may  lead  the 
residue  of  his  life  in  thy  fear,  and  to  thy  glory ;  or 
else  give  him  grace  so  to  take  thy  visitation,  that, 
after  this  painful  life  ended,  he  may  dwell  with 
thee  in  life  everlasting,  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Loi'd. 

And  O,  merciful  Father,  who,  according  to  the 
multitude  of  thy  mercies,  doth  so  put  away  the  sins  of 
those  who  truly  repent,  that  thou  rememberest  them 
no  more,  freely  and  fully  forgive  him  all  his  past 
sins.  Renew  in  him  whatever  has  been  decayed  by 
the  fraud  and  malice  of  the  devil,  or  by  his  own 
carnal  will  and  frailness ;  preserve  and  continue 
him  in  the  unity  of  the  Church ;  consider  his  con- 
trition, accept  his  tears,  assuage  his  pains,  and  bless 
the  means  for  his  recovery,  as  shall  seem  to  thee 
most  expedient.  And  forasmuch  as  he  putteth  his 
full  trust  only  in  thy  mercy,  impute  not  unto  him 
his  former  sins,  but  strengthen  him  with  thy  blessed 
spirit;  and  whensoever  thou  art  pleased  to  take  him 
hence,  take  him  unto  thyself,  for  the  merits  of 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

O  God,  whose  days  are  without  end,  and  whose 
mercies  cannot  be  numbered,  make  us  all,  we  be- 
seech thee,  deeply  sensible  of  the  shortness  and 
uncertainty  of  human  life  ;  and  let  thy  Holy  Spirit 
lead  us  through  this  vale  of  misery,  in  holiness  and 
righteousness,  all  our  days  ;  that  when  we  shall 
have  served  thee  in  our  generation,  we  may  be 
gathered  unto  our  fathers,  having  the  testimony  of 
a  good  conscience;  in  the  communion  of  the  cath- 
olic Church  ;  in  the  confidence  of  a  certain  faith  ; 
in  the  comfort  of  a  reasonable,  religious  hope  ;  in 
favor  with  thee,  our  God,  and  in  perfect  chaiity  with 


20  PRATERS. 

the  world  ;  all  which  we  ask  for  the  sake  of  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord. 

And  now,  unto  thy  gracious  mercy  and  protec- 
tion, O  God,  we  commend  this  thy  sick  servant. 
May  the  Lord  bless  and  keep  him ;  may  the  Lord 
make  his  face  to  shine  upon  him,  and  be  gracious 
unto  him  ;  may  the  Lord  lift  up  his  countenance 
upon  him,  and  give  him  peace  now  and  evermore. 
Amen. 

ANOTHER  OFFICE  OF  DEVOTION. 

^U  present  will  join  in  the  general  Confession,  as  follows:  — 

ALMIGHTY  and  most  merciful  Father,  we 
have  erred  and  strayed  from  thy  ways  like  lost 
sheep.  We  have  followed  too  much  the  devices 
and  desires  of  our  own  hearts.  We  have  offended 
against  thy  holy  laws.  We  have  left  undone  those 
things  which  we  ought  to  have  done,  and  we  have 
done  those  things  which  Ave  ought  not  to  have  done  ; 
and  there  is  no  health  in  us.  But  thou,  O  Lord,  have 
mercy  upon  us,  miserable  offenders.  Spare  thou 
those,  0  God,  who  confess  their  faults.  Restore 
thou  those  who  are  penitent,  according  to  thy 
promises,  declared  unto  mankind  in  Christ  Jesus 
our  Lord.  And  grant,  O  most  merciful  Father,  for 
his  sake,  that  we  may  hereafter  live  a  godly, 
righteous,  and  sober  life,  to  the  glory  of  thy  holy 
Name.     Amen. 

Almighty  God,  our  heavenly  Father,  who  of  thy 
great  mercy  hath  promised  forgiveness  of  sins  to 
all  those  who,  with  hearty  rejientance  and  true  faith, 
turn  unto  thee,  have  mercy  upon  us ;  pardon  and 
deliver  us  from  all  our  sins  ;  confii*m  and  strength- 
en us  in  all  goodness ;  and  bring  us  to  everlasting 
life,  through  Jesus  Chi'ist  our  Lord. 


PRATERS.  21 


Here  use  the  following,  and  one  or  more  in  this  book. 

OFATHEE  of  mercies,  and  God  of  all  comfort, 
our  only  help  in  time  of  need  ;  we  humbly  be- 
seech thee  to  behold,  visit,  and  relieve  thy  sick  ser- 
vant, for  whom  our  prayers  are  desired.  Look  upon 
him  with  the  eyes  of  thy  mercy ;  comfort  him  with 
a  sense  of  thy  goodness ;  preserve  him  from  the 
temptations  of  the  enemy ;  give  him  patience  un- 
der his  affliction  ;  and  in  thy  good  time  restore  him 
to  health,  and  enable  him  to  live  the  residue  of  his 
life  in  thy  fear  and  to  thy  glory.  Or  else  give  him 
grace  so  to  take  thy  visitation,  that,  after  this  pain- 
ful life  ended,  he  may  dwell  with  thee  in  life  ever- 
lasting, through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

WE  humbly  beseech  thee,  0  Father,  mercifully  to 
look  upon  our  infirmities  ;  and  for  the  glory  of 
thy  name  turn  from  this  thy  sick  servant,  and  from 
all  who  are  here  present,  all  those  evils  which  we 
most  justly  deserve  ;  and  grant,  that  in  all  our 
troubles  we  may  put  our  whole  trust  and  confidence 
in  thy  mercy,  and  evermore  serve  thee  in  holiness, 
and  pureness  of  living,  to  thy  honor  and  glory, 
tlirough  our  only  Mediator  and  Advocate,  Jesus 
Christ. 

ALMIGHTY  God,  who  hast  given  us  grace  at 
this  time,  with  one  accord,  .to  make  these  our 
supplications  unto  thee,  and  dost  promise  that,  when 
two  or  three  are  gathered  together  in  thy  name, 
thou  wilt  grant  their  requests,  fulfil  now,  we  be- 
seech thee,  the  desires  and  petitions  of  thy  servants, 
as  in  thine  infinite  wisdom  thou  shalt  see  fit,  for  the 
sake  of  thy  Son,  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 


22  pkatebs. 


rOR   A    SICK    CHILD. 


0  ALMIGHTY  God  and  merciful  Father,  to 
whom  alone  belong  the  issues  of  life  and  death, 
look  down  from  heaven,  we  humbly  beseech  thee, 
with  the  eyes  of  mercy,  upon  this  child  now  lying 
upon  the  bed  of  sickness.  Visit  him,  0  Lord,  with 
thy  salvation ;  deliver  him  in  thy  good  appointed 
time  from  his  bodily  pain,  and  save  his  soul,  for  thy 
mercies'  sake ;  that,  if  it  shall  be  thy  pleasure  to 
prolong  his  days  here  on  earth,  he  may  live  to  thee, 
and  be  an  instrument  of  thy  glory  by  serving  thee 
faithfully,  and  doing  good  in  his  generation ;  or 
else  receive  him  in  those  heavenly  habitations, 
where  the  souls  of  those  who  sleep  in  Jesus  enjoy 
perpetual  rest  and  felicity.  Grant  this,  0  Lord, 
for  thy  mercies'  sake,  in  the  same  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.    Amen. 

FOR  ONE  TROUBLED  IN  MIND  OR  CONSCIENCE. 

0  BLESSED  Lord,  the  Father  of  mercies,  and 
the  God  of  all  comfort,  we  beseech  thee  to  look 
down  in  pity  and  compassion  upon  this  thy  afflicted 
servant.  Thou  Avritest  bitter  things  against  him, 
and  makest  him  to  possess  his  former  iniquities  ; 
thy  wrath  lieth  hard  upon  him,  and  his  soul  is  full 
of  trouble.  But,  O  merciful  God,  who  hast  written 
thy  holy  Word  for  our  learning,  that  we,  through 
patience  and  comfort  of  thy  holy  Scriptures,  might 
have  hope,  give  him  a  right  understanding  of  him- 
self, and  of  thy  threats  and  promises,  that  he  may 
neither  cast  away  his  confidence  in  thee,  nor  place 
it  any  where  but  in  thee.  Give  him  strength  under 
all  his  temptations,  and  heal  all  his  distempers. 
Break  not  the  bruised  reed,  nor  quench  the  smok- 
ing flax.     Shut  not  up  thy  tender  mercies  in  dis- 


PKAYERS.  23 

pleasure,  but  make  him  to  hear  of  joy  and  glad- 
ness, that  the  bones  which  thou  hast  broken  may- 
rejoice.  Deliver  him  from  fear  of  the  enemy,  and 
lift  up  the  light  of  thy  countenance  upon  him,  and 
give  him  peace,  for  the  merits  and  mediation  of 
thy  Son,  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.    Amen. 

FOR    A    CASE    OF    SUDDEN    SURPRISE,    AND    IMME- 
DIATE   DANGER. 

OMOST  gracious  Father,  we  fly  unto  thee  for 
mercy  in  behalf  of  this  thy  servant,  here  lying 
under  the  sudden  visitation  of  thy  hand.  If  it  be 
thy  will,  preserve  his  life,  that  there  may  be  place 
for  repentance ;  but  if  thou  hast  otherwise  appoint- 
ed, let  thy  mercy  supply  to  him  the  want  of  the 
usual  opportunity  for  the  trimming  of  his  lamp. 
Stir  up  in  him  such  sorrow  for  sin,  and  such  fervent 
love  to  thee,  as  may,  in  a  short  time,  do  the  work 
of  many  days  ;  that  among  the  praises  which  thy 
saints  and  holy  angels  shall  sing  to  the  honor  of 
thy  mercy,  through  eternal  ages,  it  may  be  to  thy 
unspeakable  glory  that  thou  hast  redeemed  the  soul 
of  this  thy  servant  from  eternal  death,  and  made 
him  partaker  of  the  everlasting  life,  which  is 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

FOR    A    CASE    OF    SMALL   HOPE    OF    RECOVERY. 

A  FATHER  of  mercies  and  God  of  all  comfort, 
v/  our  only  help  in  time  of  need,  we  fly  unto  thee 
for  succor  in  behalf  of  this  thy  servant,  here  lying 
under  thy  hand  in  great  weakness  of  body.  Look 
graciously  upon  him,  0  Lord  ;  and  the  more  the 
outward  man  decayeth,  strengthen  him,  we  beseech 
thee,  so  much  the  more  continually  with  thy  grace 
and  Holy  Spirit  in  the  inner  man.     Give  him  un- 


24  PRATERS. 

feigned  repentance  for  all  the  errors  of  his  life  past, 
and  steadfast  faith  in  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ ;  that 
his  sins  may  be  done  away  by  thy  mercy,  and  his 
pardon  sealed  in  heaven  before  he  go  hence  and 
be  no  more  seen.  We  know,  O  Lord,  that  with 
thee  nothing  is  impossible,  and  that  if  thou  wilt 
thou  canst  even  yet  raise  liim  up,  and  grant  him  a 
longer  continuance  amongst  us  ;  yet,  forasmuch  as 
in  all  appearance  the  time  of  his  dissolution  draws 
near,  so  fit  and  prepare  him,  we  beseech  thee, 
against  the  hour  of  death,  that  after  his  departure 
hence  in  peace,  and  in  thy  favor,  his  soul  may  be 
received  into  thine  everlasting  kingdom,  through 
the  merits  and  mediation  of  Jesus  Christ,  thine 
only  Son  our  Lord  and  Savior.     Amen. 

A    COMMENDATORY     PRATER    AT     THE     POINT   OF 
DEPARTURE. 

0  ALMIGHTY  God,  with  whom  do  live  the 
spirits  of  just  men  made  perfect,  after  they  are 
delivered  from  their  earthly  prisons,  we  humbly 
commend  the  soul  of  this  thy  servant  into  thy 
hands,  as  into  the  hands  of  a  faithful  Creator  and 
most  merciful  Savior,  most  humbly  beseeching 
thee  that  it  may  be  precious  in  thy  sight.  Wash 
it,  we  pray  thee,  in  the  blood  of  that  immacu- 
late Lamb  that  was  slain  to  take  away  the  sins  of 
the  world  ;  that  whatever  defilements  it  may  have 
contracted  in  the  midst  of  this  miserable  and  naugh- 
ty world,  through  the  lusts  of  the  flesh  or  the  wiles 
of  Satan,  being  purged  and  done  away,  it  may  be 
presented  pure  and  without  spot  before  thee.  And 
teach  us  who  survive,  in  this  and  other  like  daily 
spectacles  of  mortality,  to  see  how  frail  and  uncer- 
tain our  own  condition  is,  and  so  to  number  our 


PRATERS.  25 

days  that  we  may  seriously  apply  our  hearts  to 
that  wisdom,  whilst  we  live  here,  which  may  in  the 
end  bring  us  to  life  everlasting,  through  the  merits 
of  Jesus  Christ,  thine  only  Son  our  Lord. 

The  following  viay  be  added. 

O  God,  whose  days,  &c.     (See  page  19.) 

A     THANKSGIVING     FOR     THE     BEGINNING     OP    A 
RECOVERY. 

GREAT  and  mighty  God,  who  bringest  down  to 
the  grave  and  bringest  up  again,  we  bless  thy 
wonderful  goodness  for  having  turned  our  heavi- 
ness into  joy,  and  our  mourning  into  gladness,  by 
restoring  this  our  brother  to  some  degree  of  his 
former  health.  Blessed  be  thy  name,  that  thou 
didst  not  forsake  him  in  his  sickness,  but  didst  visit 
him  with  comforts  from  above,  didst  support  him 
in  patience  and  submission  to  thy  will,  and  at  last 
didst  send  him  seasonable  relief.  Perfect,  Ave  be- 
seech thee,  this  thy  mercy  towards  him,  and  pros- 
per the  means  which  shall  be  made  use  of  for  his 
cure ;  that,  being  restored  to  health  of  body,  vigor 
of  mind,  and  cheerfulness  of  spii'it,  he  may  be  able 
to  go  to  thine  house,  to  offer  thee  an  oblation  with 
great  gladness,  and  to  bless  thy  holy  name  for  all 
thy  goodness  towards  him,  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Savior,  to  whom,  with  thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost, 
be  all  honor  and  glory,  world  without  end.    Amen. 


26  PRATERS. 

fi:ollects. 

The  following  may  be  used  before  or  after  any  other  Prayer 
1. 

OLOED,  we  beseech  thee  mercifully  to  hear  our 
prayers,  and  spare  all  those  who  confess  their 
sins  unto- thee;  that  they  whose  consciences  by  sin 
are  accused,  by  thy  merciful  pardon  may  be  ab- 
solved, through  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord. 

2. 

ALMIGHTY  and  everlasting  God,  who  hatest 
nothing  that  thou  hast  made,  and  dost  forgive 
the  sins  of  all  those  who  are  penitent,  create  in  us 
new  and  contrite  hearts,  that  Ave,  worthily  lamenting 
our  sins,  and  acknowledging  our  wretchedness,  may 
obtain  of  thee,  who  aboundest  in  mercy,  pei-fect 
remission  and  forgiveness,  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord. 

3. 

OMOST  mighty  God  and  merciful  Father,  who 
hast  compassion  upon  all  men,  and  hatest  noth- 
ing that  thou  hast  made ;  who  wouldest  not  the  death 
of  a  sinner,  but  that  he  should  turn  from  his  sin  and 
be  saved  ;  mercifully  forgive  us  our  trespasses,  re- 
lieve and  comfort  us  who  are  grieved  and  wearied 
with  the  burden  of  our  sins.  Thy  property  is  al- 
ways to  have  mercy;  to  thee  only  doth  it  apper- 
tain to  foi'give  sins.  Spare  us  therefore,  good 
Lord,  whom  thou  hast  redeemed.  Enter  not  into 
judgment  with  thy  servants,  who  are  miserable 
sinners,  but  so  turn  thine  anger  from  us,  who  meek- 
ly acknowledge  our  vileness,  and  truly  repent  us 
of  our  faults,  that  we  may  ever  live  with  thee  in 


PRATERS.  27 

xhe  world  to  come,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

4. 

OMERCIEUL  God,  the  Father  of  onr  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  who  is  the  resurrection  and  the 
life,  wc  beseech  thee  to  raise  us  from  the  death  of 
sin  to  the  life  of  righteousness ;  that  at  the  general 
resurrection,  at  the  last  day.  wc  may  be  found  ac- 
ceptable in  thy  sight,  and  have  our  perfect  con- 
summation and  bliss,  both  in  body  and  soulj 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

5. 

ALMIGHTY  and  everlasting  God,  who  art  al- 
ways more  ready  to  hear  than  we  to  pray,  and  art 
wont  to  give  more  than  either  we  desire  or  deserve, 
pour  down  upon  us  the  abundance  of  thy  mercy, 
forgiving  us  those  things  whereof  our  consciences 
are  afraid,  and  giving  us  those  good  things  which 
we  are  not  worthy  to  receive  but  through  the 
merits  and  mediation  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

6. 

¥E  humbly  beseech  thee,  0  Father,  mercifully 
to  look  upon  our  infirmities,  and  for  the  glory 
of  thy  name  turn  from  us  all  those  evils  which  we 
have  justly  deserved ;  and  grant  that,  in  all  our 
troubles,  we  may  put  our  whole  trust  in  thy  mercy, 
and  evermore  serve  thee  in  holiness  of  life,  to  thy 
honor  and  glory,  through  our  only  Mediator  and 
Advocate,  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

7. 

A  LMIGHTY  God,  the  fountain  of  all  wisdom, 

-^  who  knowest  our  necessities  before  we  ask,  and 


28 


PRAYERS. 


our  ignorance  in  asking,  we  beseech  thee  to  have 
compassion  upon  our  infirmities,  and  those  things 
which  for  our  unworthiness  we  dare  not,  and  for 
our  blindness  we  cannot  ask,  vouchsafe  to  give  us, 
for  the  merits  of  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the 
love  of  God,  and  the  fellowship  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
be  with  us  all  evermore.     Amen. 


^fiscellatieous  ^va^tts. 


A   GENERAL  PRAYER   FOR   THE    SICK. 
By  Rev.  Dr.  Berrian. 

0  ALMIGHTY  God  and  most  merciful  Father, 
whose  never-failing  providence  ordereth  all 
things,  both  in  heaven  and  in  earth,  we  humble 
ourselves  before  thee  with  the  deepest  reverence, 
acknowledging  that,  even  in  thy  severest  dispensa- 
tions, thou  hast  kind  intentions  and  gracious  de- 
signs towards  us.  Visit  and  behold  this  thy  ser- 
vant, upon  whom  thou  hast  laid  thine  afflicting 
hand.  Sanctify,  we  beseech  thee,  thy  fatherly  cor- 
rection to  him,  and  grant  that  he  may  receive  it 
with  meekness,  and  bear  it  with  patience.  Suffer 
him  not,  0  Lord,  to  murmur  or  repine  either  at  the 
length  or  severity  of  his  trials  ;  but  let  all  thy  vis- 
itations be  so  blessed  to  him  by  the  aids  and  com- 
forts of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  as  to  be  the  means  of 
weaning  him  from  the  world,  of  bringing  him 
nearer  to  thyself,  and  of  purifying  his  soul  from 
all  the  dross  and  defilement  which  it  may  have  con- 
tracted in  this  sinful  life.     We  know,  O  Father, 


s. 


PRATERS.  29 

thai  thou  dost  not  willingly  afflict  and  grieve  the 
childx-en  of  men,  and  that  thou  of  thy  goodness 
hast  caused  thy  servant  to  be  troubled.  O,  grant 
him  such  a  measure  of  thy  grace  as  may  enable 
him  cheerfully  to  submit  his  will  to  thine ;  and  if, 
in  the  days  of  health  and  happiness,  he  hath  at  any 
time  forgotten  thee,  and  turned  aside  unto  vanity 
and  folly,  0  merciful  Father,  let  not  his  past  faults 
provoke  thee  to  turn  away  thy  face  from  him,  now 
that  he  flies  unto  thee  in  the  time  of  his  trouble. 
Shut  not  up  thy  tender  mercies  in  displeasure,  but 
for  the  merits  and  intercession  of  thy  dear  Son, 
pardon  all  his  sins,  and  restore  him  to  thy  love  and 
favor.  O  Lord,  support  him  under  all  his  pains 
and  infirmities  ;  strengthen  his  faith,  enliven  his 
hopes,  increase  his  charity,  and  perfect  his  repent- 
ance ;  make  thou  his  bed  in  his  sickness,  and  lay 
not  more  upon  him  than  thou  wilt  enable  him  to 
hear.  Give  thy  blessing  to  the  means  that  may  be 
used  for  his  recovery  ;  that  if  it  be  thy  good  pleas- 
ure to  restore  him  to  his  former  health,  he  may  lead 
the  residue  of  his  life  in  thy  fear,  and  to  thy  gloiy. 
But  if  thou  hast  otherwise  determined,  grant  that 
the  more  the  outv/ard  man  decayeth,  so  much  the 
more  the  inner  man  may  be  strengthened  and  re- 
newed by  thy  Holy  Spirit ;  and  give  him  grace  so 
to  take  thy  visitation,  that,  after  this  painful  life 
ended,  he  may  dwell  with  thee  in  life  everlasting, 
through  the  merits  and  mediation  of  our  Lord  and 
Savior  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

ANOTHER  GENERAL  PRAYER  FOR  THE  SICK. 

0  ALMIGHTY  and  most  gracious  Lord  God, 
with  whom  are  the  appointments  of  life  and 
death,  we  humbly  beseech  thee  to  give  this  thy  sick 
servant  grace  to  consider  that  his  sickness  is  of  thy 


30  PRAYERS. 

sending,  to  cure  his  spiritual  diseases,  and  to  ac- 
knowledge the  justice,  as  well  as  the  mercy,  of  thy 
visitation  in  his  sufferings.  Let  this  trial  of  him, 
O  Lord,  not  fail  in  answering  the  gracious  pur- 
pose for  which  it  was  sent ;  bring  to  his  mind  all 
such  considerations  as  may  raise  him  above  all 
discouragements  and  fear.  Let  his  thoughts,  un- 
der this  visitation,  be  only  those  of  love  and  thank- 
fulness, resignation  and  obedience,  humility  and 
hope  in  thy  mercy.  Give  him  a  full  trust  in  thy 
most  gracious  promises  of  forgiveness,  and  enable 
hira  to  bear  this  visitation  with  becoming  fortitude 
and  resignation. 

Father  of  mercies  and  God  of  all  comfort,  have 
pity  and  compassion  upon  him,  we  pray  thee ;  and 
out  of  pity  to  his  weakness,  lessen  his  troubles,  and 
support  him  under  them.  Keep  him  ever  submis- 
sive to  thy  will,  and  give  him  patience.  Let  thy 
blessing  accompany  all  the  means  which  may  be 
used  for  his  welfare  and  recovery.  Put  an  end  in 
thy  due  time  to  his  disease,  and  either  restore  him 
to  health  and  ease,  or  else  prepare  him  for  a  happy 
and  comfortable  death.  All  which  we  humbly  ask 
for  Jesus  Christ's  sake.    Amen. 

rOR   A    SICK   PERSON. 

ALMIGHTY  and  most  merciful  Father,  in  whose 
hand  our  breath  is,  and  whose  are  all  our  ways, 
we  kneel  down  before  thee  humbly  to  supplicate 
thee  in  behalf  of  this  person,  here  lying  on  the  bed 
of  pain  and  sickness. 

In  submission  to  thy  will,  we  humbly  pray  thee 
to  restore  him  again  to  health.  Thou  only,  0  Lord, 
canst  heal  him.  Be  pleased,  therefore,  to  rebuke 
his  distemper,  and  to  bless  the  means  which  may 
be  used  for  his  recovery.     Show  thy  power  and  thy 


PRATERS.  31 

glory  in  raising  him  from  this  bed  of  sickness,  in 
prolonging  his  days,  and  in  making  him  a  monu- 
ment of  thy  saving  mercy  in  Christ  Jesus. 

But,  0  merciful  Father,  however  thou  mayest 
see  jat  to  deal  with  him  in  regard  to  his  body,  grant 
that  this  sickness  may  be  sanctified  to  the  good  of 
his  soul.  And  may  it  be  so  sanctified  as  to  work 
in  him  deep  conviction  of  sin,  unfeigned  repent- 
ance towards  thee,  and  steadfast  faith  in  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ.  May  it  be  the  blessed  means  of  pro- 
ducing in  him  all  the  virtues  and  graces  of  the 
Christian  life,  and  so  accomplish  the  end  for  which 
it  was  sent.  Thus  may  it  work  for  good  in  the 
issue,  and  give  him  cause  to  say,  with  the  Psalmist, 
"  It  is  good  for  me  that  I  have  been  afflicted." 

While  this  sickness  continueth,  be  pleased  to  be 
with  him  in  spirit,  to  comfort  and  support  him. 
Proportion  thy  grace  to  his  necessities,  and  enable 
him  to  endure  what  thou  layest  upon  him.  Endue 
his  soul  with  patience  under  his  affliction,  and  with 
resignation  to  thy  blessed  will.  Pardon  all  his 
sins,  comfort  him  with  a  sense  of  thy  goodness, 
and  give  him  peace.  Whatever  of  good  is  fitting 
for  us  to  ask,  and  for  him  to  receive,  we  humbly 
pray  thee  to  bestow  upon  him,  for  the  sake  of  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord. 

Whatever  may  be  the  issue  of  this  sickness,  O 
Lord,  give  him  grace  so  to  take  the  same,  that,  after 
this  painful  life  ended,  he  may  dwell  with  thee  in 
life  everlasting,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

Sanctify  this  affliction  to  the  good  of  this  family, 
[or  all  present.]  May  it  tend  to  weaken  their  at- 
tachment to  the  world,  and  to  elevate  their  thoughts 
and  desires  to  heaven.  Help  them  to  set  loose  to 
the  world  and  its  enjoyments,  to  love  and  serve 
thee  supremely,  and  at  all  times  so  carefully  and 


32  PRATERS. 

watchfully  to  live,  that  sickness  or  death  may  not 
surprise  them  unawares,  or  find  them  unprepared. 
Let  thy  Holy  Spirit  be  ever  with  them,  and  lead 
them  through  this  vale  of  sin  in  righteousness  and 
holiness  all  their  days,  that  finally  they  may  attain 
the  land  of  peace,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

FOR  ONE  VERY  SICK,  AND  IN  MUCH  PAIN. 

A  LMIGHTY  God,  the  Father  of  mercies  and 
■^  God  of  all  comfort  and  consolation,  our  only 
help  in  time  of  need,  we  now  come  before  thee  to 
supplicate  tliee  iu  behalf  of  this  thy  sick  servant. 
Gracious  art  thou,  O  Lord,  and  merciful,  full  of 
compassion,  and  of  great  goodness.  Thou  dost  not 
willingly  afflict  or  grieve  the  children  of  men,  but 
doest  it  only  for  their  good.  Wherefore  we  pray 
thee,  heavenly  Father,  to  sanctify  this  thy  fatherly 
visitation  to  him  ;  may  it  awaken  in  his  mind  a 
lively  sense  of  the  shortness  and  uncertainty  of  life, 
and  of  the  vast  importance  of  being  prepared  for 
the  future  world.  Dispose  him  now  to  give  all 
diligence  to  make  his  calling  and  election  sure. 
Grant  that  his  prayers  for  improvement  by  it  may 
be  as  earnest  and  sincere  as  those  for  his  delivery 
from  it ;  and,  if  consistent  with  thy  gracious  de- 
signs in  regard  to  him,  we  humbly  pray  thee,  heav- 
enly Father,  without  whom  the  power  of  art  and 
medicine  are  of  no  avail,  to  give  thy  blessing  to  the 
means  that  are  used  for  his  recovery.  Spare  him, 
good  Lord,  and  restore  him  again  to  health :  and 
should  his  suflerings  at  any  time  increase,  let  the 
consolations  of  thy  Spirit  increase  also.  Vouch- 
safe unto  him  that  ease  and  relief  wbich  his  case 
requires,  and  which  we  cannot  render.  Deal  very 
gently  and  tenderly  with  him,  most  merciful  Fa- 


PRATERS.  33 

ther,  and  lay  not  more  upon  him  than  thou  wilt 
enable  him  to  bear ;  and  may  he  have  grace  to  be 
perfectly  submissive  at  all  times  to  thy  most  right- 
eous will,  in  the  confidence  that  thou  doest  all  things 
well,  and  that  thou  lovest  those  whom  thou  afflict- 
est.  Pardon  all  his  sins  ;  create  in  hira  a  clean 
heart,  and  renew  a  right  spirit  within  him.  Hear 
and  answer  all  his  prayers,  and  bestow  upon  hira 
whatever  in  thy  wisdom  thou  seest  best  for  him; 
all  which  we  ask  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake.    Amen. 

Grant  unto  us  all,  who  are  here  present,  a  due 
improvement  of  this  sickness.  May  it  teach  us 
justly  to  appreciate  the  blessing  of  health,  and  of 
bodily  enjoyment,  and  the  propriety  of  evidencing 
our  gratitude  for  the  same,  by  living  in  accordance 
with  thy  blessed  will.  May  the  view  of  thy  afflic- 
tive dispensations  towards  the  children  of  men  dis- 
pose us  to  moderate  our  desires  with  regard  to  this 
world,  to  keep  our  hearts  with  all  diligence,  and  to 
run  with  patience  the  race  which  is  set  before  us  ; 
not  expecting  too  much  from  any  thing  this  world 
can  offer  us,  but  ever  looking  forward  to  the  time 
when  we  must  lie  down  upon  the  bed  of  sickness 
and  death ;  and  endeavor  so  to  order  all  our  ways, 
that  our  last  hours  may  be  full  of  peace,  and  our 
final  recompense  an  eternal  weight  of  glory, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  All  which  we 
ask,  &c. 

FOR   ONE    VERY    SICK,    AND    IN   MUCH   PAIN. 

LORD,  thou  hast  taught  us  in  thy  word,  that  "  if 
any  are  afflicted,  they  should  pray."  Agreeably 
to  thy  merciful  will  and  direction,  we  now  bow 
down  before  thee  to  present  our  earnest  and  affec- 
tionate prayers  in  behalf  of  this  thy  servant,  whom 
thou  hast  laid  upon  the  bed  of  affliction. 
3 


34  PRATERS. 

We  are  not  worthy,  O  Lord,  to  implore  the 
smallest  blessing  at  thy  hand.  We  thei-efore  come 
before  thee  in  the  name  of  Jesus,  the  Friend  of  sin- 
ners, and  our  Advocate  with  thee  ;  for  his  sake,  we 
beseech  thee  to  grant  the  petitions  we  now  ask  of 
thee. 

Lord,  look  down  from  heaven,  we  beseech  thee, 
behold,  visit,  and  relieve  this  thy  sick  servant. 
Thou  knowest,  Lord,  that  human  strength  is  weak- 
ness, and  that  without  thee  we  can  do  nothing.  O, 
then,  prosper  and  bless,  we  pray  thee,  the  means 
which  are  used  for  alleviating  and  removing  his 
disorder ;  and,  inasmuch  as  his  pain  and  weakness 
are  great,  vouchsafe  unto  him  that  sensible  ease  and 
relief  which  his  case  requires,  and  which  we  cannot 
render.  In  all  the  pains  of  the  body,  in  all  the 
disquietudes  of  the  mind,  do  thou,  O  Lord,  comfort 
and  support  him.  Make  him  to  taste  and  feel  that 
thou  art  gracious,  and  that  thou  hast  power  to  com- 
fort those  who  are  cast  down.  Be  veiy  merciful  to 
him,  O  Lord,  and  either  lighten  his  affliction,  or 
give  him  grace  to  bear  it.  And  now,  while  in  the 
furnace  of  affliction,  do  thou,  O  Lord,  purify  him 
from  every  impurity.  May  it  be  the  means  of  pu- 
rifying his  affections,  of  strengthening  his  faith  and 
trust,  of  confirming  his  hope,  and  of  making  him 
meet  for  thy  heavenly  kingdom.  Bless  it,  we  pray 
thee,  to  the  thorough  preparation  of  his  soul  for  thy 
presence  hereafter. 

And  seeing,  0  God,  that  he  trusts  entirely  to  the 
merits  of  his  Savior  for  pardon  and  salvation,  we 
beseech  thee  to  grant  unto  him  free  and  full  for- 
giveness of  all  his  sins  ;  and  not  only  so,  but  to 
make  him  know  and  feel  that  thou  hast  forgiven 
him,  that  thou  art  perfectly  at  peace  with  him,  and 
that  thou  wilt  finally  receive  him  into  thy  heavenly 


PRATERS.  35 

habita.ions.     Increase  his  faith  and  hope,  and  fill 
him  with  all  joy  and  peace  in  believing. 

To  thy  merciful  providence  we  now  commend 
him,  in  humble  confidence  that  thou  wilt  hear  our 
prayers,  and  that  thou  wilt  order  all  things  right 
and  well  in  regard  to  him.  Eit  and  prepare  him, 
we  pray  thee,  for  whatever  in  thy  wisdom  thou 
mayest'see  fit  to  lay  upon  him  ;  and  if  it  be  thy 
will  that  his  health  be  restored,  may  his  love  to  thee 
increase,  and  may  the  remainder  of  his  days  be 
spent  in  thy  service  and  to  thy  glory.  Or  if  it  be 
thy  pleasure  that  his  days  here  shall  not  be  pro- 
longed, give  him  grace  so  to  take  thy  visitation, 
that  after  this  painful  life  ended  he  may  dwell  with 
thee  in  life  everlasting,  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
liord.    Amen. 

FOR  A   VERT    SICK   PERSON. 

OLORD,  thou  hast  taught  us  in  thy  word  "  that 
vain  is  the  help  of  man ; "  and  vain,  alas !  do 
we  find  it  to  be,  in  regard  to  any  thing  we  can  do 
towards  alleviating  or  removing  the  disorder  of 
this  thy  afflicted  servant.  Without  thy  aid  and 
blessing,  our  best  eiForts  are  of  no  avail. 

We  rejoice,  however,  to  know  that  in  thee  we 
have  a  friend  who  is  both  able  and  willing  to  help ; 
and  not  only  so,  but  who  has  actually  promised  to 
do  abundantly,  above  all  we  can  ask  or  think. 
Yea.  we  rejoice  that  we  have  a  compassionate  and 
merciful  Savior  ;  one  who  is  "  touched  with  a  feel- 
ing of  our  infirmities,  and  who  is  ever  ready  to 
succor  them  that  are  afflicted." 

Wherefore  unto  thee,  O  Lord,  do  we  now  come, 
humbly  and  earnestly  to  supplicate  thy  aid  in  be- 
half of  this  our  sick  friend.    Be  gracious  unto  him, 


36  PRAYERS. 

0  Lord ;  be  gracious  unto  him,  aud  vouchsafe  unto 
him  that  ease  and  relief  which  his  case  requires, 
and  which  none  of  us  are  able  to  give.  Now  that 
his  sufferings  abound,  let  thy  consolations  abound 
also.  Be  very  merciful  to  him,  0  Lord,  seeing  he 
trusteth  in  thee,  and  in  thy  gracious  promises. 
Thy  presence.  Lord,  can  make  even  this  bed  of 
pain  comfortable.  O,  then,  visit  him,  we  beseech 
thee,  with  the  strengthening  and  consoling  influ- 
ences of  thy  Spirit,  and  make  all  his  bed  in  his 
sickness.  Cheer  him,  O  Lord,  with  the  light  of 
thy  countenance.  Comfort  him  with  a  sense  of 
thy  goodness  :  yea,  cause  him  to  rejoice  and  glory 
in'his  sufferings,  and  with  the  apostle  to  say,  "  As 
the  sufferings  of  Christ  abound  in  me,  so  also  do 
his  consolations  ; "  "  When  I  am  weak,  then  am  I 
strong."  Li  all  the  pains  of  his  body,  in  all  the 
weakness  of  his  mind,  do  thou,  0  Lord,  comfort 
and  support  him. 

We  beseech  thee  to  hear  us,  good  Lord. 
Graciously  hear  us,  O  Christ ;  graciously  hear  us, 
O  Lord  Christ. 

O  God,  merciful  Father,  whose  ears  are  ever  open 
to  the  prayers  of  the  needy  and  the  sorrowful, 
mercifully  accept  the  supplications  which  we  now 
offer  unto  thee  in  behalf  of  this  thy  afflicted  servant, 
and  vouchsafe  unto  him  whatever  in  thy  wisdom 
thou  mayest  see  needful  for  him.  We  believe  that 
thou  knowest  what  is  best  for  him  and  his  friends, 
and  that  thou  wilt  do  what  is  best  for  both.  Help 
us,  therefore,  to  be  patient  and  resigned  under  this 
dispensation,  and  from  our  hearts  to  say,  "  Father, 
not  our  will,  but  thine  be  done." 

To  thy  merciful  care  and  keeping  we  now  com- 
mend him.  If  it  please  thee,  deliver  him  in  thy 
good  appointed  time  from  his  bodily  pains,  and 


PRATER3,  37 

visil  him  with  thy  salvation,  that,  his  days  upon 
earth  being  prolonged,  he  may  live  to  thee,  and  be 
an  instrument  to  thy  glory,  by  serving  thee  faith- 
fully, and  by  doing  good  in  his  generation  ;  or  else 
receive  him  in  those  heavenly  habitations  where 
the  souls  of  those  Avho  sleep  "in  Jesus  enjoy  per- 
petual rest  and  felicity  —  even  in  that  blessed 
place  where  the  inhabitants  shall  no  more  say,  "  I 
am  sick ; "  where  "  there  is  no  more  sorrow,  nor 
sighing  ;  and  where  tears  are  wiped  away  from  all 
faces."  Grant  these  petitions,  0  Father,'  for  Jesus 
Christ's  sake.     Amen. 

FOR   ONE,    THAT    HIS    SICKNESS    MAY   BE    SANCTI- 
FIED   TO   HIS    GOOD. 

\  LMIGHTY  and  most  merciful  God,  the  aid  of 
-^  all  who  need,  and  the  helper  of  all  who  flee 
unto  thee  for  succor,  look  down  from  heaven,  we 
humbly  beseech  thee  ;  behold,  visit,  and  relieve  this 
thy  sick  servant,  in  whose  behalf  we  would  now 
pray. 

In  thy  wisdom,  O  Lord,  thou  hast  seen  fit  to  visit 
him  with  sickness,  and  to  bring  distress  upon  him. 
Righteous  art  thou  in  all  thy  dealings,  and  true  and 
just  in  all  thy  ways.  Thou  never  afflictest  but  for 
our  good,  and  much  less  than  our  sins  deserve. 
We  pray  thee,  therefore,  that  thou  wilt  sanctify  this 
sickness  to  the  good  of  this  person,  and  that  it  may 
redound  to  his  spiritual  and  eternal  benefit.  May 
it  serve  to  detach  his  atfections  from  this  world, 
and  to  fasten  them  on  a  better.  May  it  work  in 
him,  too,  a  deep  conviction  of  sin,  unfeigned  re- 
pentance towards  thee,  and  a  saving  faith  in  the 
Lord  Jesus.  0  Lord,  while  now  in  the  furnace  of 
affliction,  be  pleased  so  to  purify  him  that  he  may 


38  PRATERS. 

come  forth  from  the  same,  free  from  the  dross  of 
sin  and  impurity.  Fit  him,  O  Lord,  for  living  or 
dying,  that  it  may  be  unto  him  •'  Christ  to  live, 
and  gain  to  die."  Thus  may  this  sickness  prove  to 
him  a  blessing  in  disguise,  and  so  may  he  see  that 
thou  of  very  faithfulness  hast  caused  him  to  be  in 
trouble. 

Heavenly  Father,  we  humbly  ask  thy  blessing 
upon  the  means  used  for  his  recovery.  Have  com- 
passion upon  him,  O  Lord,  and  restore  him  again 
to  health,  that  he  may  have  a  longer  opportunity 
to  improve  himself  in  piety  and  virtue,  and  to  pre- 
pare himself  for  thy  heavenly  kingdom.  Freely 
and  fully  forgive  him  all  his  past  sins,  for  Christ's 
sake.  Be  with  him  while  on  this  bed  of  pain  and 
sickness,  to  comfort  and  support  him.  Enable  him 
to  exercise  patience  and  resignation  to  thy  blessed 
will.  Preserve  him  from  the  temptation  of  the 
enemy,  and  from  every  evil.  Help  him  to  exercise 
an  unbounded  trust  in  thy  goodness  and  mercy,  in 
the  confidence  that  thou  doest  all  things  well,  and 
that  thou  lovest  those  whom  thou  afflictest.  These 
things,  and  whatever  else  thou  mayest  see  good  for 
him,  we  humbly  pray  thee  to  bestow  upon  him,  for 
Christ's  sake.     Amen. 

And  grant,  0  Lord,  that  each  and  all  of  us,  in 
our  best  estate  of  health,  may  seriously  consider, 
and  continually  remember,  how  frail  and  uncertain 
our  condition  is.  May  none  of  us  boast  ourselves 
of  to-morrow,  nor  forget  our  dependence  upon  thee, 
but  give  all  diligence  to  make  our  calling  and  elec- 
tion sure.  Raise  us  all,  we  pray  thee,  from  the 
death  of  sin  to  the  life  of  righteousness,  that  when 
we  depart  this  life,  we  may  be  received  by  thee  in 
thy  eternal  kingdom,  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.    Amen. 


PRAYERS.  .39 


FOR   RBCOVERT,   AND     FOR   SPIRITUAL   CONSOLA 
TION   AND    BENEFIT. 

MOST  merciful  Father,  look  graciously,  we  pray 
thee,  upon  this  person,  whom,  in  thy  wisdom, 
thou  hast  seen  fit  to  visit  with  sickness,  and  give 
thy  blessing  to  the  means  Avhich  are  used  for  his 
recovery.  In  submission  to  thy  will,  we  beg  this 
mercy  at  thy  hands.  Thou  only,  0  Lord,  canst 
heal  him.  Spare  him,  therefore,  good  Lord,  and 
restore  him  again  to  health.  His  life  is  in  thy 
hands  ;  may  it  be  precious  in  thy  sight.  Comfort 
our  hearts,  we  pray  thee,  by  granting  him  a  longer 
continuance  amongst  us. 

Lord,  he  is  sensible  that  he  has  no  power  to  help 
himself;  all  his  trust  is  in  thee,  and  in  thy  prom- 
ises. Vouchsafe  unto  him,  therefore,  such  help, 
both  for  his  soul  and  body,  as  thou  seest  fitting  for 
him.  Support  him  by  thy  grace  under  all  his  pains, 
and  sufler  him  not  at  any  time  to  sink  under  the 
weight  of  them.  Make  him  ready  and  willing  to 
yield  to  thy  wisdom,  to  prefer  thy  will  to  his  own, 
to  be  contented  to  bear  what  thou  pleasest,  and  to 
be  eased  of  his  burden  when  thou  seest  fit.  May 
he  be  perfectly  submissive  to  thy  holy  will ;  and 
may  this  aflliction  of  his  body  be  so  sanctified  to 
his  good,  as  to  work  for  him  a  far  more  exceeding 
and  eternal  weight  of  glory.  May  it  be  the  means 
of  bringing  him  nearer  to  thyself,  and  of  qualify- 
ing him  for  the  enjoyment  of  those  pleasures  which 
thou  hast  in  reserve  for  the  righteous  hereafter. 

And,  O  God,  should  it  be  thy  will  that  this  sick- 
ness result  in  death,  may  it  please  thee  to  fit  and 
prepare  him  for  that  solemn  event.  Grant  unto 
bim  unfeigned  repentance  for  all  his  sins,  and  aa 


40  PRATERS 

assured  interest  in  the  blood  of  Christ.  May  he 
have  a  well-grounded  hope  and  a  lively  ftiith ;  and 
may  he  be  a  meet  partaker  of  the  inheritance  of 
the  saints  in  light. 

And  let  it  be  the  anxious  concern  of  us  all,  O 
God,  to  serve  and  please  thee.  Give  us  grace  to 
live  as  those  who  are  born  to  die,  and  whose  spirits 
must  soon  depart  into  the  eternal  world.  Grant 
that  the  shortness  of  life  may  continually  remind 
us  of  its  importance,  and  the  uncertainty  of  its 
continuance  make  us  ever  ready  and  prepared  for 
its  end. 

Look  graciously,  0  Lord,  upon  this  afflicted 
family.  Sanctify  this  affliction  to  them,  and  while 
it  continueth,  enable  them  to  bear  it  with  calmness 
and  patience,  in  the  confidence  that  thou  doest  all 
things  well,  and  that  thou  wilt  overrule  all  for  good 
in  regard  to  them.  Hear  and  accept  their  prayers, 
and  bestow  upon  them  every  spiritual  and  tempo- 
ral good  thing,  for  the  sake  of  our  common  Savior 
and  Redeemer.     Amen. 

FOR   A    SICK    PERSON — A    GENERAL    PRATER. 

OGOD,  whose  never-failing  providence  ordereth 
all  things  in  heaven  and  in  earth,  look  with 
pity,  we  beseech  thee,  upon  this  thy  servant,  upon 
whom  thou  hast  laid  thine  afflicting  hand.  Sanc- 
tify thy  fatherly  correction  to  him,  and  enable  him 
to  bciar  it  Avith  patience  and  resignation.  May  it 
be  the  means  of  weaning  him  from  the  world,  of 
bringing  him  nearer  to  thyself,  and  of  purging 
away  the  dross  and  defilement  which  his  soul  has 
contracted  in  this  sinful  world.  Pardon,  we  pray 
thee,  all  his  sins,  strengthen  his  faith,  coHfirm  his 
hope,  increase  his  charity,  and  perfect  his  repent- 


PRAYERS.  41 

ance.  Give  thy  blessing  to  the  means  used  for  his 
recovery,  and  in  thy  good  time  restore  him  to  his 
former  health,  that  he  may  lead  the  residue  of  his 
life  in  thy  fear,  and  to  thy  glory.  And  in  the  mean 
while,  may  he  so  diligently  improve  this  visitation, 
as  that,  shouldst  thou  see  fit  to  spare  him,  he  may 
be  an  example  of  one  who  has  profited  by  the 
same,  and  henceforth  serve  thee  in  righteousness 
and  holiness  all  the  days  of  his  life,  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord. 

We  commend  to  thy  fatherly  care  and  protection 
all  the  sick  and  afflicted.  Give  them  grace  as  they 
may  severally  stand  in  need,  and  order  all  things 
for  their  present  and  eternal  good.  May  they  re- 
ceive thy  chastisement  as  the  loving  correction  of 
a  kind  and  merciful  Father,  who  dost  chasten  them 
only  for  their  profit,  and  that  they  may  be  par- 
takers of  thy  holiness  here,  and  of  thy  felicity 
hereafter.     All  which  we  ask,  &c. 

FOR   A    SICK    PERSON. 

A  MERCIFUL  God  and  heavenly  Father,  who 
^  givest  us  life,  and  health,  and  all  things,  and 
recallest  theai  according  to  thy  good  pleasure, 
grant  that  we  may  acknowledge  thy  hand  in  every 
thing  that  befalleth  us  ;  and  in  all  the  afflictive  dis- 
pensations of  thy  providence,  may  we  strive  to  im- 
prove them  to  thy  glory  and  our  own  salvation. 
Sanctify,  we  pray  thee,  this  present  visitation  to 
this  thy  servant.  May  it  tend  to  weaken  his  at- 
tachments to  earth,  and  to  elevate  them  to  heaven. 
May  it  awaken  in  his  mind  a  lively  sense  of  the 
shortness  and  uncertainty  of  this  life,  and  of  the 
vast  importance  of  being  prepared  for  a  future 
state.     Dispose  him  to  give  all  diligence  to  make 


42  PRA.TERS. 

his  calling  and  election  sure.  May  he  pray  earnestly 
to  thee  for  the  pardon  of  his  sins,  and  for  an  as- 
sured interest  in  the  blood  of  Christ.  And,  O 
Lord,  regard  not  his  unworthiness,  nor  refuse  to 
hear  him  when  he  calleth  upon  thee ;  but  accept 
of  his  repentance,  blot  out  all  his  misdeeds,  and 
refresh  him  with  the  grace  and  comfort  of  thy  Holy 
Spirit.  Support  him  in  the  weakness  of  his  body, 
guard  him  in  the  temptations  which  assault  the 
soul,  administer  his  sorrows  with  tenderness,  and 
turn  them  all  to  his  good  and  comfort  in  the  end. 
Lay  not  more  upon  him  than  thou  wilt  enable  hira 
to  bear.  Consider  his  weakness,  and  proportion 
his  trials  to  his  strength,  that  he  may  endure  them 
with  patience  and  resignation  to  thy  blessed  will. 
And  since  thou  alone,  0  thou  Great  Physician  of 
our  souls,  canst  effectually  remove  his  maladies,  be 
pleased,  we  beseech  thee,  so  to  bless  the  means 
which  may  be  used  for  his  recovery,  that  he  may 
perceive  and  feel  the  blessing  in  the  relief  of  his 
pain,  and  the  restoration  of  his  health  ;  and  may 
he  have  grace  to  pass  the  residue  of  his  days  in 
thy  fear  and  love,  and  to  thy  praise  and  glory,  and 
thus  show  forth  his  gratitude  for  this  and  all  the 
other  instances  of  thy  love  and  mercy  to  him.  All 
which  we  ask,  &c. 

A   PENITENTIAL    PRATER. 

0  ALMIGHTY  God,  the  Author  of  eternal  sal- 
vation, and  the  blessed  Redeemer  of  the  world, 
who  art  ever  ready  to  hear  the  voice  of  prayer,  and 
more  Avilling  to  give  than  we  to  ask,  we  pray  thee 
in  mercy  to  regard  this  thy  servant,  in  penitence 
for  his  sins.  Through  the  merits  of  the  atoning 
blood  of  tliy  Son,  our  Mediator,  forgive  him  all  the 


PRAYERS.  43 

errors  and  follies  of  his  youth  ;  remember  not  his 
wanderings  in  the  forbidden  paths  of  wickedness, 
and  treasure  not  to  him  in  judgment  thy  merited 
wrath  for  his  offences  against  thy  holy  laws ;  but 
be  very  merciful  to  him,  we  pray  thee,  and,  by  the 
comforting  influences  of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  remove 
the  fears  of  a  troubled  conscience  from  his  mind. 
Spare  him.  good  Lord,  0  spare  him  from  the  bitter 
pangs  of  remorse,  and  of  distracting  doubts  that 
overwhelm  the  soul  with  despair.  And  grant  that 
the  door  of  thy  mercy  may  not  be  closed  against 
him  forever  ;  but  may  it  now  be  opened,  and  may 
the  peaceful  Messenger  of  divine  love  be  commis- 
sioned to  dispel  his  fears,  and  to  diffuse  a  holy 
peace  and  serenity  over  his  mind. 

Hear  us,  0  Lord,  we  pray  thee,  and  visit  him 
with  the  favor  which  thou  bearest  to  thy  people, 
that  being  made  a  partaker  of  thy  mercies,  he  may 
rejoice  in  thee  as  the  God  of  his  salvation,  and  be 
refreshed  with  the  tokens  of  thy  reconciled  love 
and  favor.  And  may  it  please  thee  to  bless  with 
success  the  means  used  for  his  recovery,  that  he 
may  be  speedily  restored  to  health,  that  his  days 
may  be  many  and  useful  in  the  world,  devoted 
to  thy  service,  and  to  thy  honor  and  glory.  But 
if,  in  thy  wisdom,  thou  hast  otherwise  determined, 
O,  endue  him  abundantly,  we  pray  thee,  with  the 
sustaining  influences  of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  that  he 
may  regard  death  without  di'ead,  and  be  sweetly 
resigned  to  thy  blessed  will  ;  comfort  his  mind 
with  a  sense  of  thy  fatherly  love  and  goodness, 
preserve  him  from  his  spiritual  enemies,  mitigate 
and  relieve  his  sufferings,  and  finally  receive 
him  to  thyself  in  the  abodes  of  peace  and  blessed- 
ness, for  the  sake  of  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  oxir  Lord 
and  Savior.     Amen. 


44 


PRATERS. 


FOR  AN  IMPENITENT  PERSON. 

ALMIGHTY  God,  grant,  we  pray  thcc,  that  this 
person,  whose  sickness  now  reminds  him  of 
the  certainty  of  death,  may  have  such  a  sense  of 
his  situation  as  a  sinner,  that  he  may  be  truly  con- 
cerned about  the  saving  of  his  soul.  Make  him  to 
consider  the  cause  of  his  afBiction,  and  the  end  to 
be  answered  by  it.  Grant  that  this  sickness  may 
be  the  means  of  awakening  him  to  repentance,  of 
purifying  his  heart,  and  leading  him  to  Christ,  the 
only  Redeemer  of  sinners.  Let  him  reflect  with 
horror  on  the  certain  destruction  which  he  would 
have  brought  upon  himself,  had  he  been  called  out 
of  life  in  the  midst  of  his  sins  ;  grant  that  he  may 
now  diligently  avail  himself  of  his  present  oppor- 
tunity to  amend  his  life,  and  to  secure  the  salva- 
tion of  his  soul.  Let  the  zeal  of  his  future  piety 
be  proportioned  to  his  past  sin  and  folly,  and  let 
the  remembrance  of  his  ingratitude  and  disobe- 
dience make  him  humble,  diligent,  and  persevering 
in  improvement.  0  God,  let  him  not  depai-t  out 
of  this  world  till  his  peace  with  thee  be  secured. 
Pardon,  we  pray  thee,  all  his  past  sins,  for  Christ's 
sake.  Create  in  him  a  clean  heart,  and  renew  a 
right  spirit  within  him.  AYork  in  him,  and  do  for 
him,  whatever  thou  seest  necessary  for  his  present 
and  eternal  good;  and  whenever  he  leaves  this 
world,  may  he  be  a  fit  partaker  of  the  inheritance 
of  the  saints  in  light,  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 


0 


FOR   ONE    IN   A    BAD    STATE. 

MOST  holy  and   righteous   Lord    Gad,  who 
cannot  look  upon  iniquity,  we  bow  down  before 


PRATERS.  45 

thoe  in  the  name  of  Jesus,  the  friend  of  sinners, 
and  for  his  sake  implore  thy  mercy  in  behalf  of 
this  person,  who  has  so  much  despised  and  neg- 
lected thee  and  thy  service,  and  whose  life  has  been 
spent  in  sin  and  folly,  O  God,  impress  on  hitn 
the  deepest  sorrow  and  contrition  for  all  his  sins. 
Grant  unto  him  a  deep  and  unfeigned  repentance, 
and  also  a  strong  and  lively  sense  of  thy  astonish- 
ing mercy  in  having  hitherto  delayed  his  punish- 
ment. 

May  he  now  give  all  diligence  to  secure  the  sal- 
vation of  his  soul.  0,  let  him  not  give  sleep  to 
his  eyes,  nor  slumber  to  his  eyelids,  till  he  has  ob- 
tained pardon  and  peace.  And  may  the  remainder 
of  his  life  be  spent  in  thy  fear  and  service ;  and  as 
there  is  no  promise  of  acceptance  without  an  ac- 
tual amendment,  so  let  him  remember  that  no 
amendment  now  can  compensate  for  the  wicked- 
ness of  his  past  life,  and  that  his  trust  must  be  in 
thy  undeserved  mercy,  through  Christ  his  only 
refuge.  For  his  sake,  we  pray  thee,  O  God,  to 
spare  him,  and  to  grant  unto  him  repentance  unto 
salvation.  For  the  all-sufficient  merits  of  thy  Son, 
reject  him  not,  O  God,  nor  shut  thine  ears  to  our 
prayers  in  his  behalf,  but  pardon  all  his  sins,  and 
make  him  a  monument  of  thy  saving  mercy  in 
Christ  Jesus.     Amen. 

FOR   AN    IMPEXITBNT    SINNER. 

LORD,  we  kneel  down  before  thee  to  supplicate 
thee  in  behalf  of  this  person,  here  lying  on  the 
bed  of  sickness.  For  Jesus'  sake,  we  pray  thee  to 
accept  the  petitions  that  we  now  ask  for  him. 

May  this  sickness,  0  Lord,  be  the  means  of  re- 
claiming him  from  sin,  and  of  producing  in  him 


46  PRATERS. 

repentance  unto  salvation.  Let  thy  Holy  Spirit 
descend  upon  him,  and  so  melt  the  hardness  of  his 
heart  as  may  make  hhn  sorrowfully  concerned  that 
he  should  ever  have  offended  thee,  the  God  of  all 
goodness,  and  the  source  of  every  blessing.  Make 
him  thankful  that  he  has  not  been  taken  away  in 
the  midst  of  sin  and  folly.  Make  him  thankful 
that  his  sickness  does  not  affect  his  understanding, 
but  that  he  still  enjoys  the  use  of  his  reason  and 
his  senses.  And,  O  God,  dispose  him  to  give  all 
diligence  to  secure  the  salvation  of  his  soul,  and 
for  this  purpose  to  use  all  the  means  of  grace  which 
thou  hast  appointed.  Dispose  him  to  pray  heartily 
to  thee  for  pardon  and  forgiveness,  and  for  a  sav- 
ing interest  in  the  atoning  blood  of  the  Savior. 
And,  O  Lord,  be  very  gracious  unto  him,  and  grant 
unto  him  a  free  and  full  remission  of  all  his  sins. 
O,  reserve  them  not  to  be  punished  in  the  day  of 
thy  fierce  anger :  but  spare  him,  O  Lord  God  most 
holy,  0  Lord  most  mighty,  O  holy  and  most  mer- 
ciful Savior,  thou  most  worthy  Judge  Eternal,  de- 
liver him,  we  beseech  thee,  from  the  bitter  pains 
of  eternal  death.  Thy  property.  Lord,  is  always 
to  have  mercy  ;  spare  him,  thei-efore,  good  Lord ; 
spare  tliis  person  whom  thou  hast  redeemed  with 
thy  precious  blood,  and  be  not  angry  with  him 
forever. 

We  beseech  thee  to  hear  us,  good  Lord. 

Son  of  God,  we  beseech  thee  to  hear  us. 

O  Lamb  of  God,  who  takest  away  tlie  sins  of 
the  world,  have  mercy  upon  him. 

Graciously  hear  us,  O  Chi-ist. 

Graciously  hear  us,  O  Lord  Christ. 

O  God,  merciful  Father,  who  hast  promised  to 
hear  the  petitions  of  those  who  ask  in  thy  Son's 
name,   mercifully  accept   the  prayers  which   wo 


PRATERS.  47 

have  now  offered  in  behalf  of  this  person,  and  for 
the  glory  of  thy  name  tuni  from  him  all  the  evils 
he  doth  most  justly  deserve,  and  give  him  grace  so 
to  improve  this  visitation,  that  should  his  days  upon 
earth  be  prolonged,  he  may  live  to  thee,  and  be 
an  instrument  of  good  in  his  generation ;  or  in  the 
event  of  his  departure  hence,  that  his  soul  may  be 
received  by  thee  in  life  everlasting,  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

FOR   OXE   WHO   13   PENITENT. 

OMOST  merciful  Father,  who  art  always  more 
ready  to  hear  than  we  to  pray,  and  to  give  more 
than  we  can  desire  or  deserve,  we  beseech  thee  to 
look  in  mercy  upon  this  thy  servant,  who  earnestly 
desires  tlve  pardon  of  his  sins,  and  a  saving  interest 
in  thy  covenanted  mercies  in  Christ  Jesus. 

We  know,  0  Lord,  that  thou  art  a  merciful  God ; 
full  of  compassion,  long  suffering,  and  of  great 
pity ;  forgiving  iniquity,  transgression,  and  sin ; 
and  that  thine  arms  of  mei'cy  are  ever  open  to  re- 
ceive the  contrite  and  penitent  offender.  For  thy 
tender  mercies'  sake,  therefore,  0  Lord,  and  for  thy 
dear  Son's  sake,  who  came  into  the  world  to  seek 
and  to  save  such  as  were  Aveary  and  heavy  laden 
with  the  burden  of  their  sins,  and  who  hast  gra- 
ciously assured  us  that  "  those  who  come  unto 
thee  shall  in  no  wise  be  cast  out,"  we  pray  thee 
freely  to  forgive  him  all  his  sins,  and  to  bestow 
upon  him  a  saving  interest  in  the  blood  of  Jesus. 

Hear  us,  most  merciful  Father,  in  these  our  pe- 
titions for  this  thy  servant,  who  earnestly  desires 
pardon  and  forgiveness.     Graciously  receive  him, 
as  the  offended  father  received  the  offending  prod-' 
igal.     Receive  him  graciously  into  thy  bosom,  and 


48  TRATERS. 

gladden  his  heart  with  the  tokens  of  thy  reconciled 
love  and  favor.  For  the  glory  of  thy  name  pardon 
all  his  misdeeds,  and  turn  from  him  all  those  evils 
that  he  has  most  justly  deserved.  And  grant, 
Lord,  that  he  may  continue  to  cherish  his  present 
feelings  of  indignation  against  sin,  and  to  resolve, 
by  thy  grace,  ever  manfully  to  fight  against  it,  and 
to  approve  himself  thy  faithful  servant.  And  help 
him  to  trust,  not  in  himself  alone,  but  in  thee, 
for  the  performance  of  his  vows  and  resolutions. 
What  he  knoweth  not,  teach  him,  and  what  he 
knoweth,  enable  him  to  practice.  And  give  him 
grace  cheerfully  to  acquiesce  in  thy  will,  in  regard 
to  whatever  may  be  the  character  of  this,  or  any  of 
thy  future  dispensations  towards  him;  that  if  it 
should  be  thy  good  pleasure  that  he  should  live  to 
be  tried,  he  may  prove  himself  thy  faithful  servant ; 
or,  if  his  sickness  should  result  in  death,  he  may 
calmly  resign  himself  to  thy  will ;  that  so,  living  or 
dying,  he  may  be  thine,  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 

ANOTHER  PRATER  FOR  ONE  WHO  IS  PENITENT. 

OLORD,  who  in  mercy  hast  granted  to  this  thy 
servant  a  due  sense  of  his  transgressions,  we 
beseech  thee  to  increase  the  influences  of  thy  Spirit, 
confirm  his  indignation  against  sin,  and  heighten 
his  sorrowful  remembrance  of  his  former  iniquities 
into  the  most  earnest  resolutions  against  a  repe- 
tition of  them  in  future.  Let  him  distinguish  be- 
tween infirmity  of  body  and  contrition  of  soul,  that 
he  may  not  mistake  his  present  freedom  from  temp- 
tation for  a  sign  of  his  piety,  but  may  he  steadfast- 
ly resolve  to  prefer  his  duty  before  all  allurements, 
if  tried  by  them  again.     Affect  him  with  a  deep 


PRAYERS.  49 

sense  of  the  importance  of  thy  favor,  and  of  the 
vanity  of  this  world  ;  that  he  may  devote  himself 
wholly  to  thy  service,  and  be  prepared  for  all  future 
temptationsj^  should  he  be  again  assaulted.  And 
do  thou,  O  God,  help  him  to  withstand  the  temp- 
tations of  the  world,  the  flesh,  and  the  devil,  and 
with  a  pure  hea.rt  and  mind  to  serve  thee.  Let  thy 
Holy  Spirit  be  witli  him,  to  direct  and  guide  him 
in  ail  his  ways.  Bless  to  his  good  all  the  means  of 
grace,  and  grant  that  he  may  so  profit  by  the  same 
as  to  be  made  wise  unto  salvation.  May  he  devote 
himself  wholly  to  thy  service,  and  have  grace  so 
faithfully  to  serve  thee  during  the  remainder  of  his 
days,  as  that  finally  he  may  be  admitted  into  thine 
eternal  and  glorious  kingdom,  there  to  live  with 
thee  in  life  everlasting,  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord. 


FOR   FORGIVENESS. 


M 


OST  gracious  God,  who  hast  taught  us  to  ap- 
ply  to  thee  in  time  of  need,  and  hast  promised 
mercy  and  forgiveness  to  those  who  earnestly  pray 
for  it  in  the  name  of  thy  djar  Son,  regard  our  sup- 
plications for  this  thy  servant,  Avho  desires  to  obtain 
it  through  the  merits  of  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ.  He 
is  sensible  that  he  is  alto'gether  unworthy  of  thy 
forgiveness,  and  that  nothing  but  thine  unbounded 
goodness  could  encourage  him  to  apply  for  it.  But 
without  thy  mercy  he  must  perish  ;  and  thou  hast 
graciously  declared  that  thou  wouldest  not  the  death 
of  a  sinner.  Accept,  therefore,  his  humble  petitions 
for  mercy,  and  in  him  may  Christ  Jesus  show  forth 
all  long-suflfering  and  compassion.  He  knows  tliat 
his  life  cannot  bear  a  strict  examination  ;  for  if  thou 
shouldest  be  extreme  to  mark  what  has  been  done 
amiss,  0  Lord,  who  may  abide  it  ?  Accept  him 
4 


50  PRATERS. 

according  to  the  gracious  covenant  of  thy  mercy 
in  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ.  Prepare  him  by  sincere 
resohitions  of  obedience  to  apply  to  thee  in  prayer ; 
strengthen  him  by  a  comfortable  trust  in  thy  mercy 
to  proceed  uniformly  in  the  way  of  holiness ;  favor 
him  with  a  longer  time  to  testify  his  sincerity  by  a 
holy  life ;  and  whenever  thou  shalt  be  pleased'  to 
take  him  hence,  receive  him  into  thy  mercy,  through 
the  merits  and  intercession  of  thy  Sou  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord. 

FOR   OlfE    MUCH   DEJECTED    IN   MIND. 

OMOST  merciful  Father,  who  knowest  our 
frame,  and  rememberest  that  we  are  but  dust, 
look  with  pity,  we  pray  thee,  upon  the  sorrows  of 
this  thy  servant,  whose  soul  is  cast  down  within 
him.  Banish  from  his  mind  all  needless  fears,  and 
deliver  him  from  his  present  sadness  and  dejection 
of  spirit.  Mercifully  forgive  him  all  his  sins,  and 
gladden  his  heart  with  the  tokens  of  thy  love  and 
favor.  He  coufesseth,  0  Lord,  that  he  hath  sinned 
against  thee  ;  that  he  Ijath  done  those  things  which 
he  ought  not  to  have  done,and  hath  left  undone  those 
things  which  he  ought  to  have  done.  He  is  sensi- 
ble, too,  that  he  has  no  merits  of  his  own  to  plead, 
and  he  trusts  entirely  to  the  merits  of  his  Savior 
for  pardon  and  forgiveness.  For  Christ's  sake, 
therefore,  we  px-ay  thee  to  forgive  him  all  his  sins. 
By  his  death  and  passion,  by  his  resurrection  and 
ascension,  we  entreat  thee  to  be  thus  merciful  to 
him.  O  thou  Sun  of  Righteousness,  arise,  shine, 
and  dissipate  the  clouds  of  darkness  that  rest  upon 
his  mind,  and  diffuse  the  rays  of  joy  and  comfort 
through  the  inner  man.  Make  him  glad  with  the 
light  of  thy  countenance,    and    revive   his    spirit 


PRATEKS.  51 

within  him.  Make  him  to  taste  and  feel  that  thou 
art  gracious,  and  that  thou  hast  power  to  comfort 
those  who  are  cast  down.  Endue  his  soul  with 
patience  under  his  troubles,  and  with  resignation 
to  thy  blessed  will ;  comfort  him  with  a  sense  of 
thy  goodness  ;  lift  upon  him  the  light  of  thy  coun- 
tenance, and  give  him  peace. 

O  God,  who  despises t  not  the  sighing  of  a  con- 
trite heart,  nor  the  desires  of  such  as  are  sorrowful, 
mercifully  assist  the  prayers  we  have  now  made  in 
this  time  of  trouble  and  adversity,  and  grant  unto 
this  thy  servant  the  comfort  he  now  requires ;  and 
may  we  and  all  have  grace  evermore  to  serve  thee  in 
pureness  and  holiness  of  living,  to  thy  honor  and 
glory,  through  our  only  Mediator  and  Advocate, 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

rOR   A    SICK    PERSON,    TROUBLED    WITH     DOUBTS 
AND    DIFFICULTIES. 

OGOD,  who  art  the  only  Comforter  of  the  sor- 
rowful and  afflicted,  we  earnestly  entreat  thee 
to  impart  the  consolations  of  thy  grace  to  this  thy 
afflicted  servant.  Regard  with  pity,  we  pray  thee, 
his  infirmities,  and  compose  his  mind  with  the 
soothing  influence  of  thy  Holy  Spirit.  O,  let  thy 
grace  so  enlighten  his  understanding  that  he 
may  discern  the  wonders  of  thy  rede'Cming  love, 
and  rejoice  in  the  knowledge  of  thy  boundless 
goodness  and  mercy.  Grant  unto  him,  we  pray 
thee,  entire  confidence  in  thy  willingness  to  bless 
and  comfort  those  "  who  are  weary  and  heavy  la- 
den with  the  burden  of  their  sins,"  and  whose 
hearts  are  truly  humble  and  contrite  in  thy  sight. 
Enable  him  effectually  to  repent  of  all  his  past 
transgressions,  and  diligently  to  avail  himself  of 


52  PRATERS. 

all  the  prescribed  means  of  grace  and  salvation. 
And  do  thou,  O  God,  so  assist  him  with  thy  spirit, 
and  so  increase  his  confidence  in  the  merits  and 
eliicacy  of  his  Redeemer's  blood,  that  he  may  ob- 
tain a  well-grounded  hope  of  acceptance  with  thee, 
and  be  blessed  with  the  manifestations  of  thy  rec- 
onciled love  and  favor. 

We  thank  thee,  0  Lord,  tliat  thou  hast  awakened 
his  mind  to  a  sense  of  the  importance  of  being  pre- 
pared for  eternity.  Affect  him  with  a  still  deeper 
conviction,  we  pray  thee,  of  the  solemn  realities  re- 
vealed in  thy  word,  and  of  the  danger  of  procras- 
tinating the  work  of  amendment  and  of  preparation 
for  the  eternal  world.  And  now  that  all  things  else 
fail  him,  and  that  he  has  a  feeling  and  experi- 
mental sense  of  the  frailty  of  his  nature,  and  of  the 
•ancertainty  of  human  life,  may  he  be  disposed  to 
cling  more  earnestly  to  the  promises  of  thy  word, 
and  to  yield  a  more  unreserved  compliance  with  its 
requirements.  And  grant,  O  Lord,  that  every 
darkling  cloud  of  unbelief  may  be  dispelled  from 
his  mind,  and  that  henceforth  he  may  be  able  to 
serve  thee  without  fear,  and  with  that  peace  wiiich 
Cometh  only  of  thee,  and  which  passetli  all*under- 
stauding. 

We  pray  thee,  heavenly  Father,  to  restore  him 
speedily  to  health,  with  a  deep  sense  of  thy  mercy 
to  him,  and  a  firm  determination  to  devote  himself 
wholly  to  thy  service,  and  to  strive  to  please  thee 
all  his  days.  But  if  thou  hast  otherwise  deter- 
mined, 0,  prepare  him  for  his  departure  ;  be  with 
him  in  his  passage  through  the  dark  valley  of  death, 
and  let  thy  holy  angels  convey  his  soul  to  the  bosom 
of  his  Savior,  there  to  live  with  him  in  the  fruition 
of  never-euding  happiness.     We  ask  all.  &c. 


PRAYERS.  53 


FOR   A   PERSON    IN    DESPONDENCY. 

OLORD,  our  heavenly  Father,  who  art  the  sure 
and  efficient  help  of  all  who  call  upon  thee  in 
trouble,  be  pleased  to  hear  and  accept  our  prayers 
for  this  person,  who  is  oppi-essed  with  gloom  on 
account  of  his  sins.  Have  mercy  upon  him,  O 
Lord,  have  mercy  upon  him,  and  cheer  and  enliven 
his  heart  with  the  consolations  of  thy  Holy  Spirit. 
0,  let  him  not  distinist  thy  mercy  and  goodness, 
nor  disbelieve  thy  promises ;  but,  notwithstanding 
the  deep  sense  of  his  unworthiness,  may  he  con- 
fidently and  earnestly  call  upon  thee,  who  art  the 
Savior  of  sinners,  and  not  exclude  himself  from 
the  hope  of  pardon  and  reconciliation.  Graciously 
vouchsafe  unto  him,  O  Lord,  a  saving  faith  in  the 
blood  of  Jesus ;  and  comfort  his  heart  with  the  assur- 
ance "  that  his  blood  cleanseth  from  all  sin,"  and 
*'  that  whosoever  cometh  unto  him  believing,  shall 
in  no  wise  be  cast  out."  O,  let  him  be  no  longer 
faithless,  but  dispose  and  assist  him,  0  God,  by  the 
grace  of  thy  Spirit,  to  bring  the  burden  of  his  sins 
at  once  to  the  foot  of  the  cross,  and  to  cast  him- 
self in  faith  on  the  mercy  of  his  Redeemer;  and  by 
the  blessed  influence  of  thy  Spirit  upon  his  heart, 
may  he  feel  "  that  his  sins,  though  many,  are  for- 
given him."  What  he  knoweth  not,  0  Lord,  teach 
him,  and  what  he  Icnoweth,  enable  him  to  prac- 
tise. Let  him  not  neglect  any  means  of  grace,  as 
though  they  were  no  further  useful,  but  keep  in  the 
observance  of  every  duty  enjoined  by  thy  word. 
And  should  he  fail  of  that  speedy  relief  for  which 
his  soul  is  distressed,  0,  may  he  not  grieve  thy  Holy 
Spirit  away,  by  yielding  to  despondency  and  gloom, 
but  may  he  be  encoiu'aged  by  thy  gracious  promises 


54  PRATERS. 

to  persevere ;  and  do  thou,  O  God,  in  thine  own 
appointed  time,  cause  him  to  rejoice  in  his  deliver- 
ance from  trouble,  and  to  triumph  in  the  posses- 
sion of  a  good  hope  of  being  received  into  glory 
hereafter. 

To  thy  mercy  and  grace  we  nov/  commend  him. 
Pardon,  we  pray  thee,  all  his  sins,  and  bestow  upon 
him  whatever  in  thy  wisdom  thou  knowest  to  be 
best  for  him.  Preserve  and  keep  him  in  health ; 
may  his  days  be  many  and  useful  in  his  generation, 
and  when  he  is  summoned  to  depart  hence,  may 
his  spirit  be  received  by  thee  in  that  happy,  peace- 
ful place,  where  the  weary  are  at  rest,  —  and  where 
sin  and  sorrow  are  unknown.  For  Christ's  sake 
we  ask  all. 

FOR   A    SICK   PERSON   OF   WEAK   FAITH. 

OTHOU,  who  art  the  Author  and  Finisher  of 
our  faith,  and  the  God  of  all  comfort  and  con- 
solation, we  come  unto  thee  as  our  only  refuge  in 
trouble,  humbly,  but  earnestly,  to  implore  thy  aid 
and  thy  blessing  in  behalf  of  this  thy  servant,  in 
distress.  In  thy  wisdom  thou  hast  seen  fit  to  visit 
him  with  sorrow  and  sickness.  O,  be  gracious  unto 
him,  we  pray  thee,  and  vouchsafe  all  that  he  may 
require,  both  for  his  soul  and  body.  Thou  know- 
est, 0  Lord,  all  his  wants,  the  weakness  of  his  faith, 
and  the  errors  of  his  understanding,  as  also  his 
bodily  disorders.  O,  be  pleased  to  proportion  thy 
grace  to  his  necessities,  and  to  supply  all  his  need. 
Graciously  bestow  upon  him  the  enlightening  and 
enlivening  influences  of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  dissipate 
the  darkness  that  beclouds  his  mind,  and  strengthen 
his  faith  in  the  promises  of  thy  Word.  For  the 
sake  of  thy  Son  our  Redeemer,  hear  and  answer 


PRAYERS.  55 

all  his  prayers,  pardon  his  sins,  endue  his  soul  with 
patience  under  his  aiHiction,  and  with  resignation  to 
thy  blessed  \vill,  and  enable  him  to  realize  thy  love 
and  thy  grace  in  his  heart,  and  to  rejoice  in  the 
hope  of  thy  sah^ation.  And  may  it  please  thee,  O 
Lord,  to  speedily  restore  him  to  health  and  all  the 
blessings  of  life.  But,  above  all,  we  entreat  thee 
to  prepare  him  to  meet  thee  in  peace,  to  cordially 
welcome  death  as  the  messenger  of  relief  and  joy- 
to  his  waiting  spirit,  and  as  his  deliverer  from  every 
bodily  and  mental  ill.  Help  him  to  look  upon  the 
grave  as  the  gate  of  immortality,  and  the  introduc- 
tion to  that  holy,  happy,  and  unchangeable  state, 
where  in  thy  presence  is  fulness  of  joy,  and 
where  there  are  pleasures  forevermore.  For  Jesus 
Christ's  sake,  we  pray  thee*  to  grant  all  these  pe- 
titions. 

FOR   A   SICK   PERSON   WHO    DESIRETH   PARDON. 

OMOST  merciful  Father,  who  hast  promised  to 
grant  the  petitions  of  those  who  ask  in  thy 
Son's  name,  we  now  kneel  down  humbly  to  sup- 
plicate thee  in  behalf  of  this  person,  who  earnestly 
desireth  pardon  and  forgiveness  of  all  his  sins. 
He  confesseth,  0  Lord,  that  he  hath  sinned  against 
thee,  that  he  hath  done  those  things  which  he  ought 
not  to  have  done,  and  left  undone  those  things 
which  he  ought  to  have  done.  He  is  sensible,  too, 
that  he  has  no  merits  of  his  own  to  plead,  and  he 
trusts  entirely  to  the  merits  of  his  Savior  for  par- 
don and  salvation.  For  Christ's  sake,  therefore, 
most  merciful  Father,  we  pray  thee  to  forgive  him 
all  his  sins.  Wash  them  all  away  in  that  fountain 
which  thou  hast  opened  for  sin  and  uncleanness. 
Spare  him,  good  Lord,  spare  thy  servant  whom 


56  PRATERS. 

thou  hast  redeemed  with  the  precious  blood  of  thy 
dear  Son.  For  Christ's  sake,  we  beseech  thee  to 
be  thus  merciful  to  him.  By  his  death  and  passion^ 
by  his  resurrection  and  ascension,  we  entreat  foi*- 
giveness  at  thy  hands.  Grant  unto  him  also  that 
humble  and  contrite  heart  which  thou  lovest,  and 
whose  prayers  and  sighs  thou  wilt  not  despise.  0, 
visit  him  with  thy  salvation,  support  him  by  thy 
grace,  and  work  in  him,  and -do  for  him,  whatever 
in  thy  wisdom  thou  seest  proper  for  his  present  and 
eternal  good,  that  so  this  light  affliction  of  a  mo- 
ment may  work  for  him  a  far  more  exceeding  and 
eternal  weight  of  glory. 

liord,  grant  unto  him,  we  pray  thee,  the  comfort 
of  a  holy  hope  that  thou  hast  accepted  his  repent- 
ance and  heard  his  players.  And  resting  all  his 
hopes  on  the  cross  of  Christ,  may  he  be  filled  with 
holy  peace  and  joy.  Be  with  him,  O  Lord,  at  all 
times,  and  let  nothing  disturb  or  terrify  his  soul. 
May  his  mind  be  calm  and  peaceful,  his  faith 
strong,  and  his  confidence  at  all  times  be  steadfast- 
ly reposetl  on  thee,  who  art  the  anchor  of  his  safety. 
And  whatever  may  be  the  issue  of  this  sickness, 
grant  that  he  may  so  improve  the  same,  that  after 
this  painful  life  ended,  he  may  dwell  with  thee  in 
life  everlasting,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

We  pray  thee,  O  Lord,  to  behold  with  thy  favor 
and  blessing  all  the  sick  and  afflicted,  and  to  sup- 
ply them  with  such  temporal  and  spiritual  com- 
forts as  they  stand  in  need  of.  Grant  them  re- 
pentance towards  thee,  and  faith  towards  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  that  their  sins  may  be  done  away  in 
thy  mercy,  and  their  pardon  sealed  in  heaven  be- 
fore they  depart  hence  to  the  eternal  world.  May 
they  not  despise  thy  chastening,  nor  faint  under 
thy  rebukes,  but  endeavor  to  improve  the  saine  to 


PRATERS.  57 

the  salvation  of  their  souls.  And  do  thou  bring 
us  all,  at  last,  to  that  place  where  there  is  no  more 
sickness  or  sorrow,  and  whei'e  tears  are  wiped  away 
from  all  faces.     Amen. 

FOR   A    SICK     PERSON,    WHO    IS     IN    GREAT   WANT 
OF    SLEEP. 

MOST  gracious  God,  we  kneel  down  before  thee, 
and  humbly  pray  thee  to  look  with  tender  con- 
cern on  this  thy  afflicted  servant,  Avhose  case  we 
would  bear  on  our  hearts  at  thy  mercy-seat.  Re- 
new his  wasted  spirits,  we  pray  thee,  with  comfort- 
able sleep.  Compose  him  to  a  sweet  and  undis- 
turbed rest.  Refresh  him  so  sensibly  as  to  enable 
him  affectionately  to  acknowledge  thy  goodness  to 
him  in  this  respect.  O,  may  he  enjoy  the  comfort 
of  rest,  and  of  refreshing  sleep. 

But,  0  God,  if  thou  see  fit  to  deny  or  delay  the 
blessing,  give  him  patience,  and  grant  that  in  the 
multitude  of  his  thoughts  within  him,  thy  comforts 
may  refresh  his  soul.  If  he  still  be  tossed  on  a 
wearisome  bed,  may  his  mind  repose  itself  in  thy 
love,  and  be  blessed  with  the  comfortable  consola- 
tions of  thy  Holy  Spirit. 

And  prosper,  we  pray  thee,  the  means  used  for 
his  recovery.  We  know  that  the  wishes  of  friends 
avail  not,  nor  the  power  of  nature  or  art,  without 
thy  concurring  blessing.  Bless  then,  we  pray  thee, 
every  application  for  his  recovery.  Let  thine,  O 
Lord,  be  the  glory,  and  his  the  comfort  of  the  means 
used  for  the  same. 

Support  him  also  under  his  pains,  and  deliver 
him  speedily  from  them,  and  in  such  a  way  as  may 
best  promote  thy  glory  and  his  present  and  future 
welfare.      Continue  him   in   this   life  with  a  due 


58  PRATERS. 

sense  of  his  preservation,  and  lead  him  thereby  to 
a  better  preparation  for  the  next. 

FOR    CONSOLATION. 

MOST  gracious  God,  who,  by  thy  Son  Jesus 
Christ,  hast  knit  us  all  together  in  one  body, 
that  we  should  love  one  another,  and  that,  if  one 
member  suflfcr,  all  the  members  should  sutler  with 
it,  we  humbly  implore  thy  tender  mercies  towards 
this  our  sick  friend,  of  whose  afflicted  condition  we 
desire  to  have  a  compassionate  sense  and  feeling. 

Look  graciously  upon  him,  O  Lord,  and  visit 
him  with  thy  salvation.  Grant  unto  him  such  con- 
solation from  above  as  we  should  desire  for  our- 
selves were  we  in  his  circumstances.  Give  him  a 
truly  penitent  heart  for  all  the  offences  he  has  at 
any  time  committed,  and  a  lively  faith  in  thy  Son 
Jesus  Christ,  who  came  into  the  world  to  save  sin- 
ners. Give  him  the  comfort  of  a  holy  hope  that 
thou  hast  accepted  his  repentance,  and  heard  his 
prayer.  Support  him  by  this  hope  under  all  his 
pains,  and  enable  him  patiently  to  submit  to  thy 
fatherly  correction.  Send  him  help  now  in  this 
time  of  need,  both  for  his  soul  and  body.  Bless 
the  means  used  for  his  recovery,  and  if  it  be  thy 
good  pleasure,  restore  him  to  his  former  health, 
together  with  a  serious  resolution  in  his  heart  to 
serve  thee  more  zealously  all  his  days ;  or  else 
give  him  grace  so  to  take  this  visitation,  that,  after 
this  painful  life  ended,  he  may  dwell  with  thee  in 
life  everlasting,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 


PRAYERS.  59 


FOR    SUBMISSION. 

0  ALMIGHTY  God,  the  Creator  and  Governor 
of  the  universe,  who  hast  so  dispose<l  all  things 
as  may  best  glorify  thy  wisdom,  serve  the  ends  of 
thy  justice,  and  magnify  thy  mercy;  and  who,  by 
secret  and  undisccrnible  ways,  bringest  good  out  of 
evil,  we  humbly  pray  thee  to  give  us  wisdom  from 
above,  that  we  may  reverence  thee  in  thy  judg- 
ments, and  adore  thy  footsteps,  which  are  in  the 
great  deep,  and  which  cannot  be  searched  out.  Teach 
us  to  submit  to  thy  providence  in  all  things,  to  be 
content  in  all  the  changes  of  our  condition ;  to  be 
temperate  in  prosperity ;  meek,  patient,  and  re- 
signed in  adversity  ;  and  to  look  through  the  cloud 
of  darkness  and  trouble  for  the  light  and  conso- 
lation which  thou,  in  thy  mercy,  vouchsafes!  to  them 
who  love  thee.  And  grant  that,  in  all  our  afflic- 
tions, we  may  fly  unto  thee  for  succor  and  support ; 
that  we  may  wait  for  deliverance  in  such  times  and 
manners  as  thou  hast  reserved  in  thine  oAvn  power, 
and  graciously  dispensest  according  to  thine  in- 
finite wisdom  and  compassion  ;  and  that,  in  the 
mean  time,  doing  our  duty  with  an  unwearied  dil- 
igence, and  an  undisturbed  com2:>osure,  our  affec- 
tions may  be  gradually  weaned  from  the  vanities 
and  possessions  of  this  world,  and  steadfastly  fixed 
on  that  place  where  true  joys  are  alone  to  be  found, 
throua;h  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 


ANOTHER     PRATER     FOR     SUBMISSION    AND     RES- 
IGNATION. 

OGOD,  w^ho  by  thy  righteous  Providence  order- 
est  all  things  well,  and  in  subservience  to  thy 


60  PRAYERS 

glory,  and  to  the  good  of  thy  creatures  ;  let  thy  will, 
we  pray  thee,  be  the  measure  of  our  desires,  and 
thy  providence,  in  all  the  changes  of  life,  the  ground 
of  our  submission.  Thou  hast  made,  and  hitherto 
sustained  us.  Thou  hast  blessed  us  with  unmerited 
mercies  all  our  days,  and  protected  us  amidst  in- 
numerable dangers.  Thou  hast  relieved  us  in  our 
calamities,  and  comforted  us  in  our  sorrows.  In 
the  remembrance,  then,  of  thy  past  goodness,  may 
we  repose  with  filial  confidence  in  thy  love  and 
favor,  for  the  time  to  come.  And  more  especially, 
O  Lord,  we  beseech  thee,  that  in  the  loss  of  our 
friends,  whom  thou  hast  guided  in  life  by  thy  coun- 
sel, and  blessed  in  death  with  thy  peace  and  favor, 
we  may  not  murmur  or  repine,  neither  sorrow  as 
those  who  have  no  hope.  With  the  same  hand 
thou  hast  crowned  them  and  smitten  us.  Praised 
be  thy  name,  O  Lord,  that  thou  didst  call  them  to 
the  knowledge  of  thy  truth,  and  sanctify  them  by 
thy  grace ;  that  thou  didst  pour  upon  them  the 
continual  dew  of  thy  blessing,  and  preserve  them 
in  their  way  through  all  the  impediments  of  their 
salvation.  We  give  thee  thanks,  0  God,  for  all  the 
graces  and  benefits  which  thou  didst  bestow  upon 
them  in  time,  and  which  thou  hast  reserved  for 
them  through  eternity.  And  we  beseech  thee  so 
to  join  us  together  with  them  in  unity  of  spirit, 
that  we,  following  their  blessed  steps  in  all  virtuous 
and  godly  living,  may  cheerfully  do  thy  will  on 
earth,  as  they  in  heaven,  and  be  made  partakers 
with  them  of  those  unutterable  joys  Avhich  thou 
hast  prepared  for  them  who  love  thee,  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


PRATERS.  •      61 


WHEN   ANT   MEMBER   OF   THE    FAMILT    IS    SICK. 

THOU,  0  Lord,  givest  to  thy  creatures  health 
and  strength,  and  when  thou  seest  fit,  visitest 
them  with  sickness  and  infirmity.  Be  pleased  now 
to  hear  the  prayers  which  we  offer  in  behalf  of  thy 
servant,  who  is  dear  to  us,  and  who  is  now  afflicted 
by  thy  hand.  Look  down  from  heaven,  behold, 
visit,  and,  in  thine  own  good  time,  relieve  hira. 
Direct  to  the  use  of  suitable  means  for  his  recovery, 
and  bless  the  application  of  them.  Mitigate  the 
sufferings  of  his  disease,  and  dispose  him  to  place 
all  his  trust  and  confidence,  not  in  the  help  of  man, 
but  in  thy  promises,  power,  and  love.  Be  merciful 
to  him,  gracious  Lord,  not  according  to  his  deserv- 
ings,  but  according  to  the  necessity  of  the  case  and 
the  multitude  of  thy  mercies.  In  submission  to 
thy  most  wise  and  good  disposal  of  all  things,  we 
beseech  thee  that  this  bitter  cup  may  pass  away 
from  thy  servants,  or  give  us  grace  so  to  improve 
it,  as  to  set  us  forward  in  our  way  to  life  eternal. 
All  which  we  ask,  &c. 

A   PRATER   UNDER     SAD    ACCIDENTS   AND    DISAS- 
TERS   BEFALLING   THE    BODT. 

OMOST  merciful  Father,  who  hast  taught  us 
that  affliction  rises  not  out  of  the  dust,  nor 
comes  by  chance  and  without  thy  appointment,  we 
know  that  thy  judgments  are  right,  and  that  thou 
in  faithfulness  hast  afflicted  this  thy  servant.  O 
Lord,  give  him  patience,  and  strength,  and  grace, 
proportionable  to  this  great  and  sudden  trial ;  and 
enable  him  so  to  demean  himself  under  it,  that 
after  the  affliction  he  may  find  cause  to  say,  '•  It 


62  PRAYERS. 

was  good  for  me  to  be  afflicted."  Thou  hast  torn 
and  smittei! ;  thou  alone  art  able  to  heal  and  bind 
up.  Of  thino  infinite  mercy,  we  pray  thee  pitifully 
to  look  u])on  him  in  his  low  estate,  and  vouchsafe 
unto  liim  that  comfort  and  assistance,  both  for  his 
soul  and  body,  which  he  stands  in  need  of,  and 
which  we  cannot  render.  For  his  sake  Avho  was 
wounded  for  our  transgressions,  and  bruised  for 
our  iniquities,  forgive  and  comfort  his  soul ;  and  in 
good  time  repair  the  breaches  made  upon  his  body, 
if  it  seem  good  in  thy  sight,  and  make  him  to  hear 
of  joy  and  gladness,  that  the  bones  Avhich  thou  hast 
broken  may  rejoice. 

Lord,  if  thou  wilt,  thou  canst  make  him  whole. 
May  it  be  thy  gracious  pleasure  to  glorify  thy 
power  and  mercy  in  his  help  and  recovery;  or, 
however  thou  mayest  deal  with  his  body,  grant 
him  a  humble  resignation  to  thy  will,  and  satis- 
faction with  thy  dealings  ;  and  make  this  sad  dis- 
pensation, which  is  so  grievous  for  the  time,  gra- 
cious and  beneficial  in  the  issue.  O,  make  it  the 
messenger  of  love  to  his  soul,  and  the  means  of 
converting  and  sanctifying  it.  and  fitting  it  for  thy 
blissful  presence  hereafter.     Grant  these,  &c. 

rOR     ONE    WHO     HAS     EXPERIENCED      A     HEAVY 
AFFLICTION,   AND    ALSO   FOR   THE    FAMILY. 

MOST  merciful  Father,  we  kneel  down  before 
thee  and  humbly  implore  thy  tender  mercies 
in  behalf  of  this  family,  of  whose  afflicted  con- 
dition we  desire  to  have  a  compassionate  sense  and 
feeling.  In  thy  wisdom  thou  hast  seen  fit  to  visit 
them  with  trouble,  and  to  bring  distress  upon  them. 
Remember  them,  0  Lord,  in  mercy,  and  comfort 
and  relieve  them  according  to  the  necessity  of  their 


PEATEK8.  63 

case.  Help  them  to  see  love  in  thy  rod,  and  justice 
in  thy  dealings,  and  to  know  that  temporal  afflic- 
tions, through  thy  blessing,  turn  to  spiritual  good. 

And,  O  God,  look  with  pity  and  compassion 
upon  the  unhappy  condition  of  this  thy  afflicted 
servant,  and  grant  to  him  as  speedy  and  effectual 
assistance  as  may  be  agreeable  to  thy  will.  Lessen 
his  dangers,  assuage  his  pain,  and  bless  the  means 
which  may  be  used  for  alleviating  and  removing 
the  same. 

While  it  continueth,  0  Lord,  vouchsafe  unto 
him,  we  pray  thee,  the  consoling  and  strengthening 
influences  of  thy  Holy  Spirit.  Endue  his  soul  with 
patience  and  resignation,  and  enable  him  to  endure 
with  becoming  fortitude  what  thou  hast  laid  upon 
him.  Whatever  of  good  is  fitting  for  him  to  re- 
ceive, we  pray  thee  to  bestow  upon  him.  And  O, 
may  this  affliction  be  so  blessed  to  his  good,  as  to 
dispose  him  to  look  with  more  indiff'erence  on  this 
world,  in  which  we  are  liable  to  so  much  pain  and 
trouble,  and  to  prepare  himself  for  that  world 
where  trouble  and  sorrow  are  unknown.  And 
shouldest  thou  be  pleased  to  prolong  his  days,  may 
he  devote  himself  to  thy  service,  and  to  thy  glory, 
by  doing  good  and  serving  thee  in  his  generation. 
Every  other  request  we  leave  to  thy  wise  disposal ; 
beseeching  thee  to  order  and  overrule  all  things  for 
his  good,  and  to  do  for  him,  and  for  us,  more  than 
we  can  ask  or  think,  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake. 
Amen. 

As  regards  ourselves,  may  we  be  resigned  and 
contented  under  all  the  allotments  of  this  our  mor- 
tal pilgrimage ;  and  in  the  midst  of  the  numerous 
dangers  and  casualties  to  which  v/e  are  subject,  in 
this  mortal  life,  have  grace  always  to  keep  in  mind 
that  piety  is  the  only  solid  foundation  of  our  se- 


64  PRATERS. 

curity ;  and  that  if  our  salvation  be  secured,  we 
have  no  reason  to  fear  any  unforeseen  accident 
which  may  hasten  us  to  it. 

Assist  us  mercifully,  O  Lord,  in  these  our 
prayers,  and  dispose  the  way  of  thy  servants  to- 
wards the  attainment  of  everlasting  salvation,  that 
amidst  all  the  changes  and  casualties  of  this  mor- 
tal life,  we  may  ever  be  defended  by  thy  most  gra- 
cious and  ready  helj),  tlirough  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.    Amen. 

FOR    THE    AFFLICTED. 

OLORD,  we  commend  to  thy  fatherly  goodness 
all  those  who  are  any  ways  afflicted  in  mind, 
body,  or  estate.  Relieve  the  distressed,  comfort 
the  sorrowful,  protect  the  innocent,  and  awaken 
the  guilty.  Assist  those  who  draw  near  the  time 
of  their  dissolution,  and  so  fit  and  pi-epare  them, 
we  pray  thee,  against  the  hour  of  death,  that  after 
their  departure  hence  in  peace,  and  in  thy  favor, 
their  souls  may  be  received  into  thy  everlasting 
kingdom.  And  we  bless  thy  holy  name  for  all  thy 
servants  departed  this  life  in  thy  faith  and  fear, 
and  more  especially  for  those  who  were  near  and 
dear  to  us.  We  laud  and  magnify  thee  for  thy 
great  goodness  in  having  given  them  a  happy  de- 
liverance from  the  sins  and  sorrows  of  this  misera- 
ble world  ;  and  we  most  humbly  beseech  thee,  that 
we  may  have  grace  to  follow  their  good  examples 
in  steadfastness  of  faith  and  godliness  of  life,  that 
at  the  last  day,  we  with  them  and  they  with  us, 
may  attain  to  the  resurrection  of  the  just,  and  hear 
the  joyful  voice  of  our  Lord  saying  to  us,  "  Come, 
ye  blessed  children  of  my  Father,  inherit  the  king- 
dom prepared  for  you  from  the  foundation  of  the 


PRAYERS.  65 

world."     Grant  this,   0  Father,  for  Jesus  Christ's 
sake.    Amen. 

ANOTHER  PRAYER  FOR  THE  AFFLICTED. 

0  FATHER  of  mercies  and  God  of  all  comfort, 
remember  every  Christian  soul  bowed  down 
with  sorrow  or  sin,  and  all  who  stand  in  need  of 
thy  mercy  and  help.  Look  graciously  upon  the 
sick  and  needy,  the  lonely  and  the  disconsolate ; 
bind  up  the  broken  hearted,  hear  the  cries  of  or- 
phans and  widows  in  their  calamity*  and  lift  up  the 
light  of  thy  countenance  upon  all  who  are  in  the 
valley  of  the  shadow  of  death,  supporting  them  in 
their  agonies,  their  weaknesses,  and  temptations. 
In  mercy  remember  them  who  have  lost  their 
health  or  their  peace,  their  innocence  or  their 
hopes.  Restore  them,  0  Lord,  to  all  good ;  giving 
them  pardon  of  their  sins,  patience  under  their  suf 
ferings,  and  a  happy  issue  out  of  all  their  afflictions. 
And  assist  us,  O  Lord,  in  all  the  changes  and 
chances  of  this  mortal  life.  Be  gracious  to  us  in 
the  time  of  trouble  and  calamity,  and  grant  that  in 
all  our  troubles  we  may  put  our  whole  trust  and 
confidence  in  thy  mercy.  Strengthen  our  faith  in 
our  sicknesses  and  sorrows,  our  temptations  and 
trials.  And  when  the  days  of  our  pilgrimage  are 
over,  grant  that  we  may  die  in  thy  fear  and  favor, 
and  rest  in  a  holy  hope  of  our  joyful  resurrection, 
and  the  full  and  perfect  consummation  of  our  bliss, 
both  in  body  and  soul,  in  thy  everlasting  kingdom, 
through  our  Lord  and  Savior  Jesus  Christ     Amen. 


0 


FOR   ONE    UNDER   GRIEVOUS    PAINS. 

MOST   merciful  and  compassionate  Father, 
whose  compassions  fail  not,  mercifully  regard, 
5 


66 


PRAYERS. 


we  beseech  thee,  with  an  eye  of  pity  niul  compas- 
sion the  sorrows  of  this  person,  whom  thou  hast 
seen  fit  to  visit  with  such  sore  and  painful  sickness. 
We  know,  O  Lord,  that  thou  dost  not  willingly 
afflict  the  children  of  men,  but  doest  it  only  for 
their  good.  But,  O  God,  thou  knowest  the  weak- 
ness of  our  nature,  and  how  little  we  can  bear. 
And  thou  art  witness  to  the  burden,  the  painful 
and  oppressive  burden,  under  which  this  thy  ser- 
vant laboreth,  and  which  crieth  aloud  to  thee  for 
ease.  All  the  day  long  is  he  troubled,  and  in  the 
night  season  he  hath  no  rest.  His  body  is  filled 
with  pain,  and  his  soul  is  bowed  down  within  him. 
Wherefore,  we  pray  thee,  most  merciful  Eather,  to 
have  pity  upon  him,  and  either  to  lighten  his 
affliction  or  give  him  grace  to  bear  it.  Send  to 
him,  we  pray  thee,  the  Holy  Ghost  the  Comforter, 
and  let  thy  grace  abound  in  him  in  proportion  to 
his  need  of  it,  that  his  spiritual  grace  and  strength 
may  be  greater  than  his  sufferings.  Let  thy  grace 
refresh  his  spirit  and  support  his  soul.  Deal  very 
gently  and  tenderly  with  him,  0  Lord,  and  afflict 
him  not  above  his  strength.  Make  him  to  taste 
and  feel  that  thou  art  gracious,  and  that  thou  hast 
power  to  comfort  those  who  are  cast  down.  May 
he  be  perfectly  resigned  to  thy  will,  and  with  thy 
suffering  saints  of  old  be  disposed  to  say,  "  The 
will  of  the  Lord  be  done  ; "  "  It  is  the  Lorcl.  let  him 
do  what  seemeth  him  good."  And  should  this  long 
and  painful  sickness  try  his  faith  and  patience,  may 
it  also  confirm  and  strengthen  them.  And  may  it 
please  thee,  0  God,  so  to  sanctify  it  to  his  spiritual 
good,  that  it  may  be  the  blessed  means  of  fitting 
him  for  the  enjoyment  of  that  happy  place,  where 
sorrow  and  sickness  are  unknown  —  even  Im- 
mimuel's  land,  where  thou,  0  Lord,  wilt  be  the  joy 


PRATERS.  67 

of  thy  people,  and  where  the  days  of  their  mourn- 
ing shall  be  ended.  In  view  of  the  attainment  of 
that  happiness,  and  of  those  pleasures,  may  he  not 
account  his  sickness  painful,  so  that  he  may  finally 
finish  his  course  with  joy,  and  enter  upon  that  rest 
which  thou  hast  prepared  for  thy  people. 

We  pray  thee,  0  Lord,  to  bless  all  who  are  la- 
boring under  any  bodily  or  mental  suffering.  Re- 
lieve the  distressed,  comfort  the  sorrowful,  protect 
the  innocent,  and  awaken  the  guilty.  Sanctify 
their  afflictions  to  their  good.  Be  thou  a  father 
also  to  the  fatherless,  a  husband  to  the  widow,  a 
refuge  to  the  oppressed,  and  a  God  of  comfort  and 
consolation  to  the  sorrowful  and  afflicted,  whatever 
may  be  their  trouble  or  affliction.  We  ask  all  for 
Jesus  Christ's  sake.    Amen. 


A  SECOND  PRATER  FOR  ONE  IN  GREAT  PAIN. 

0  FATHER  of  mercies  and  God  of  all  comfort, 
who  alone  canst  comfort  those  who  are  cast 
down,  look  with  pity,  we  beseech  thee,  upon  the 
suffering  condition  of  this  thy  sick  servant.  What 
wearisome  days  and  nights  thou  hast  appointed 
him,  O  God,  thou  knowest.  Thou  hast  made  him 
acquainted  with  grief,  and  sickness  has  now  become 
his  familiar  companion.  We  know%  O  Lord,  that 
the  hours  of  his  suti'erings  are  numbered,  and  that 
thou  countest  them  to  him.  Grant  that  he  may 
acquiesce  with  his  whole  heart  in  what  thou  art 
pleased  to  inflict,  who  orderest  every  thing  for  the 
good  of  thy  creatures.  And  forasmuch  as  he  is 
very  weak  and  frail,  lay  not  more  upon  him,  O 
Lord,  than  he  is  able  to  bear.  Have  mercy  upon 
him ;  have  mercy  upon  him,  O  God,  and  afflict  him 
not  above  his  strength.    Hear  the  prayers  which 


68  PRAYERS. 

he  putteth  forth  in  the  anguish  of  his  spirit,  and 
have  regard  to  the  voice  of  his  supplications. 
Grant  to  him,  Ave  pray  thee,  that  sensible  relief  and 
comfort  which  his  case  so  imperatively  requires. 
In  all  the  pains  of  his  body,  in  all  the  troubles  of 
his  spirit,  do  thou,  O  Lord,  comfort  and  support 
him.  Pardon  all  his  sins,  and  gladden  his  heart 
with  the  tokens  of  thy  love  and  favor  in  Christ  Je- 
sus. Grant  that  the  precious  promises  of  thy  Word 
may  be  so  applied  to  his  mind,  under  the  influence 
of  thy  Spirit,  as  to  become  a  rich  source  of  conso- 
lation to  him  under  this  long  and  painful  sickness. 
And  sanctify  to  him,  we  pray  thee,  every  pain  and 
every  sorrow,  that  he  may  pass  through  the  furnace 
of  affliction  as  gold  purified  in  the  fire  ;  and  when 
he  has  suff'ered  all  thou  hast  appointed  him,  may 
he  come  off"  more  than  conqueroi",  through  Him 
who  hath  loved  him,  and  died  for  him,  even  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord. 

Whatever  may  be  the  issue  of  this  sickness,  O 
God,  give  him  grace  so  to  profit  by  it,  that,  after 
this  painful  life  ended,  he  may  dwell  with  thee  in 
life  everlasting,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

And  grant,  0  Lord,  that  each  and  all  of  us,  in 
our  best  estate  of  health,  may  seriously  consider 
how  frail  and  mortal  we  are.  May  we  not  boast 
ourselves  of  to-morrow,  nor  forget  our  dependence 
upon  thee.  Give  us  grace  to  pass  the  time  of  our 
sojourning  here  in  thy  faith  and  fear,  and  to  live 
sober]}'-,  righteously,  and  godly  in  the  world,  and 
as  becometh  those  who  must  shortly  die,  and  ap- 
pear before  thee  in  judgment.  And  may  we  all  be 
so  prepared  for  the  hour  of  our  departure  hence, 
that  it  may  be  our  happy  lot  to  die  the  death  of  the 
righteous,  and  that  our  last  end  may  be  peaceful 
and  blessed.    All  which  we  ask,  &c. 


PEATBKS.  69 


A   THIRD     PRAYER     FOR    ONE     UNDER    GRIEVOUS 
PAINS. 

OGOD,  our  Refuge  and  Strength,  who  art  a 
present  help  in  time  of  trouble,  look  gracious- 
ly and  favorably,  we  humbly  pray  thee,  upon  this 
thy  afflicted  servant,  and  if  agreeable  to  thy  will, 
send  him  ease  and  comfort  in  this  his  time  of  need. 
Grant  unto  him  a  meek  and  quiet  submission  to 
thy  will,,  that  he  may  wait  with  patience  till  thou 
seest  fit  to  deliver  him.  Suffer  not  the  extremity 
of  his  pain  to  cause  him  to  entertain  a  hard  thought 
of  thy  providence,  but  may  he  still  believe  thee  to 
be  a  kind  and  merciful  Father,  whilst  thou  art 
smiting  and  afflicting  him  for  his  spiritual  good. 
And  that  he  may  be  enabled  to  do  so,  strengthen 
him.  we  pray  thee,  with  thy  grace,  and  lay  not  more 
upon  him  than  thou  wilt  enable  him  to  bear.  (In 
the  multitude  of  the  sorrows  which  he  has  in  his 
heart,  let  thy  comforts  refresh  his  soul.  Grant 
unto  him  a  sweet  sense  of  thy  tender  mercies, 
which  have  been  ever  of  old,  and  which  endure 
continually.)  Comfort  him  with  a  sense  of  thy 
goodness,  cheer  him  with  the  light  of  thy  counte- 
nance, gladden  his  heart  with  the  tokens  of  thy 
favor,  support  him  under  his  pains  and  troubles, 
and  in  thy  good  time  deliver  him  from  them.  Give 
success  to  the  remedies  that  are  used  for  his  re- 
covery, and  restore  him  speedily  to  his  former 
health.  Pardon  all  his  sins,  and  enlighten  his 
mind  with  whatever  thou  mayest  see  fitting  for  him 
to  know  in  regard  to  thee,  himself,  or  his  duty. 
Make  him  thankful  for  this  opportunity  of  spiritual 
improvement ;  and  may  he  so  avail  himself  of  the 
same,  that  this  "  sickness  of  his  body  may  result 


70  PRAYER8. 

in  tlie  everlasting  health  of  his  soal."  O  that  his 
whole  heart,  and  soul,  and  mind  may  be  daily 
more  conformed  to  the  image  of  his  Savior.  O 
that  his  present  experience,  and  deep  sense  of  the 
frailty  of  his  mortal  nature,  and  of  the  uncertainty 
of  life,  may  elevate  the  more  earnestly  his  hopes 
and  desires  to  heaven,  —  to  that  blessed  place, 
where  sickness,  and  sorrow,  and  trouble  are  un- 
known, and  "  where  the  weary  are  at  rest." 

Eit  him,  O  God,  for  living  or  dying.  If  it  shall 
be  thy  pleasui'e  to  release  him  from  his  bed  of  pain 
and  languishing,  and  to  live  longer  upon  the  earth, 
may  he  laave  grace  to  live  in  thy  fear,  and  to  thy 
praise  and  glory  ;  and  if  thou  hast  determined  that 
this  sickness  shall  be  a  sickness  unto  death,  and 
this  visitation  his  last  visitation,  prepare  him,  O 
merciful  God,  by  thy  grace,  for  thy  blessed  self, 
and  grant  him  a  safe  and  comfortable  passage  out 
of  this  wretched  life  to  an  infinitely  better,  through 
the  merits  and  mediation  of  thy  beloved  Son  Jesus 
Clmst  our  Lord.     Amen. 

And  do  thou  give  us  all  grace  so  to  live,  that  we 
may  comfortably  look  up  to  thee  at  all  times,  and 
especially  in  a  time  of  sickness,  as  our  constant 
Friend  and  most  tender  Father,  as  our  life  and 
health,  our  rest  and  joy,  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord  and  Savior.    Amen. 

FOR   ONE   WHO    CANNOT     UNITE    IN    THE    PRAYER 
UNDERSTANDINGLY. 

0  ALMIGHTY  God,  the  help  of  all  who  put 
their  trust  in  thee,  and  the  relief  of  the  needy, 
hear  the  prayers  which  we  now  offer  unto  thy  di- 
vine Majesty  in  behalf  of  this  person,  who,  by  rea- 
son of  her  mental  disorder,  and  bodily  weakness 


PRATERS.  71 

and  distress,  is  unable  to  pray  for  herself.  Look 
with  pity  and  compassion,  we  pray  thee,  upon  her 
unhappy  condition,  and  comfort  and  relieve  her 
according  to  the  necessity  of  her  case.  Lord,  thou 
knowest  her  condition,  her  thoughts,  and  what  she 
needs  ;  be  pleased,  therefore,  to  relieve  her  accord- 
ing to  her  necessities.  Look  upon  her,  0  Lord,  in 
mercy,  and  grant  unto  her  such  help,  both  for  her 
Boul  and  body,  as  she  stands  in  need  of.  Whatever 
of  good  is  fitting  for  us  to  ask,  and  her  to  receive, 
we  pray  thee  to  bestow  upon  her.  Pardon  all  her 
sins.  Give  her  a  saving  interest  in  the  blood  of 
Jesus.  Lighten  her  gi-iefs,  and  preserve  her  from 
bodily  and  mental  pain.  Bless  to  her  benefit  the 
means  that  are  used  for  her  recovery.  Restore 
her,  if  consistent  with  thy  wisdom,  to  health  of 
body  and  to  soundness  and  vigor  of  mind,  that  her 
soul  may  bless  and  praise  thy  holy  name.  And  0, 
sanctify  this  affliction  to  her  good,  that  it  may  be 
the  means  of  qualifying  her  for  thy  presence  here- 
after. These  things,  and  whatever  else  thou  mayest 
see  good  for  her,  we  humbly  ask,  for  the  sake  of 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

FOR  ONE  "WHO  HAS  EXPERIENCED  EASE,  BOTH 
OF  MIND  AND  BODY. 

LORD,  we  kneel  down  before  thee,  and  gratefully 
thank  thee,  that  thou  hast  been  pleased  to  send 
this  thy  servant  ease,  both  in  soul  and  body. 

Notwithstanding  the  sorrows  which  he  had  in  his 
heart,  thy  comforts  have  refreshed  his  soul.  And 
though  burdened  and  bowed  down  on  account  of 
his  sins,  thou  hast  now  vouchsafed  unto  him  ease 
of  mind,  and  a  comfortable  sense  of  thy  reconciled 
lore  and  favor.     (Blessed  be  thy  name,  0  Lord, 


72  PEATERS. 

that  thou  didst  not  take  him  away  in  his  sins,  and 
that  thou  hast  now  given  him  grace  and  opportu- 
nity to  repent.)  Continue  to  him,  we  beseech  thee, 
the  exercise  of  thy  loving  kindness  towards  him, 
and  perfect  that  which  concerneth  him. 

If  consistent  Avith  thy  Avill,  we  pray  thee  to  con- 
tinue to  prosper  the  means  of  his  recovery.  Do 
for  him  as  thou  seest  good,  and  overrule  all  for  his 
best  interest,  temporal  and  eternal. 

We  would  further  thank  thee,  that  thou  dost  en- 
able him  so  submissively  to  acquiesce  in  thy  will 
in  regard  to  this  dispensation,  and  to  endure  the 
same  with  such  becoming  fortitude  and  resignation. 
Continue  to  him,  we  pray  thee,  the  strengthening 
and  refreshing  influences  of  thy  Holy  Spirit.  And 
grant  unto  him,  at  all  times,  such  sensible  tokens 
of  thy  favor,  such  experience  of  thy  love,  such  hope 
of  thy  glory,  as  may  confirm  his  opinion  of  thy 
favor  towards  him  ;  and  that  he  may  know  and  feel 
that  thou  hast  atflicted  him  in  love  only  for  his 
good,  and  with  a  view  to  fit  him  for  the  enjoyment 
of  thy  presence  hereafter.  Be  thou,  0  God,  his 
portion  and  his  inheritance,  his  eternal  and  un- 
changeable Friend,  the  support  of  his  life,  the 
relief  and  solace  of  his  soul,  under  all  the  pains 
and  sorrows  which  he  may  yet  experience,  and  his 
everlasting  rest  and  happiness  in  heaven. 

And  since  many  are  the  afflictions  of  the  right- 
eous. Lord,  remember  them  in  all  their  troubles. 
In  all  their  afflictions  do  thou  comfort  and  support 
them,  and  let  the  angel  of  thy  presence  save  them. 
In  thy  love  and  in  thy  pity  do  thou  assist  them, 
and  bear  them,  and  carry  them,  as  in  the  days  of 
old.    Amen. 


PKATERS.  75 


FOR   ONE   WHO   HAS    EXPERIENCED     MUCH 
RELIEF. 

MOST  merciful  and  gracious  God,  the  Giver  of 
life,  of  health,  and  safety,  we  gratefully  thank 
thee  for  thy  goodness  in  restoring  this  person,  in 
some  degree,  to  his  former  health.  "We  have  rea- 
son to  believe  that  his  sickness  has  abated,  and  that 
he  is  now  beginning  to  amend.  To  thee.  O  Lord, 
be  the  praise  and  the  glory,  for  thine  hand  hath 
done  it.  Thou  only  canst  heal ;  thou  only  canst 
restore  to  perfect  liealth.  And  we  pray  thee,  heav- 
enly Father,  that  thou  wilt  perfect  the  cure  which 
thou  hast  begun  in  him.  Restore  him  speedily,  we 
beseech  thee,  to  his  former  health  ;  and  give  him 
grace  to  testify  his  gratitude  by  an  humble,  holy, 
and  obedient  walking  before  thee  all  his  days, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

While  he  continueth  to  lie  on  this  bed  of  sick- 
ness, continue  to  him,  we  pray  thee,  the  consola- 
tions of  thy  grace.  Give  him  comfortable  thoughts 
of  thy  love,  and  of  that  tender,  compassionate  care 
which  thou  ever  exercisest  towards  thy  afflicted 
children.  Thy  presence,  Lord,  can  make  even  the 
bed  of  pain  comfortable.  0,  then,  lift  upon  him 
the  light  of  thy  countenance,  and  diffuse  over  his 
soul  that  heavenly  peace  and  serenity  which  cometh 
only  of  thee,  and  which  sickness  itself  cannot  de- 
prive him  of.  And  in  the  comfort  hereof,  may  he 
at  no  time  be  weary  and  faint  in  his  mind  under 
this  affliction,  but  uniformly  endeavor  so  meekly 
and  submissively  to  bear  it,  as  to  glorify  thee,  and 
to  manifest  the  power  of  thy  grace. 

May  this  sickness  be  so  blessed  to  his  spiritual 
improvement,  that,  when  restored  to  perfect  health, 


74  PRAYERS. 

he  may  serve  thee  Avith  increased  zeal,  and  with  an 
earnest  desire  to  please  thee,  and  to  promote  thine 
honor  and  glory. 

And  help  this  family,  O  Lord,  while  this  aflflic- 
tion  continueth,  to  bear  it  Avith  calmness  and  pa- 
tience, trusting  all  their  concerns  to  thy  fatherly 
bosom,  and  resting  in  an  assured  confidence  that 
thou  wilt  make  this,  and  all  thy  other  dispensa- 
tions, to  Avork  together  for  their  good.  All  which 
we  ask,  &c. 

ANOTHER   FOR    ONE   AYHO    IS    MUCH    BETTER. 

BLESS  the  Lord,  0  our  souls,  and  all  that  is 
within  us,  bless  and  praise  his  holy  name. 
Bless  the  Lord,  0  our  souls,  and  forget  not  all  his 
benefits  ;  Avho  forgiveth  all  our  sins,  Avho  healeth 
all  our  infirmities,  Avho  rcdeemeth  our  lives  from 
destruction,  and  crowneth  us  Avith  mercies  and 
loving  kindness. 

We  bless  thee  ;  AA'^e  praise  thee  ;  we  thank  thee 
heartily,  O  Lord,  for  the  relief  thou  hast  granted 
to  this  our  sick  friend.  Surely,  O  Lord,  thou  piti- 
est  us  as  a  father  pitieth  his  children,  and  hearest 
the  prayers  of  those  who  cry  unto  thee.  Gracious 
art  thou  and  merciful,  full  of  compassion,  and  of 
great  goodness  to  all  thy  creatures.  Grant,  Ave 
beseech  thee,  that  the  relief  Avhich  thou  hast  given 
this  thy  servant  may  be  to  us  a  token  for  good  ; 
confirm  the  kindness  thou  hast  already  displayed, 
and  in  thy  good  time  perfect  the  cure  which  thou 
hast  begun  in  him. 

Yet,  O  God,  seeing  it  is  his  duty  to  exercise  the 
most  implicit  submission  to  thy  will,  may  he  be 
disposed,  cheerfully,  to  acquiesce  in  Avhatever  thou 
maycst  see  good  to  order  in  regard  to  him,  know- 


PRATEE8.  75 

ing  that  thou  doest  all  things  well,  and  that  thou 
hast  graciously  promised  that  "  all  things  shall 
work  together  for  good  to  them  who  love  and  fear 
thee." 

In  submission  to  thy  will,  We  pray  thee  to  con- 
tinue to  bless  the  means  of  his  recovery.  Let  not 
his  confidence  in  these,  however,  or  in  any  human 
instrumentality,  lessen  his  dependence  upon  thee. 
On  thee,  and  thee  alone,  may  he  depend  for  his 
bodily  recovery  and  spiritual  improvement.  And 
when  restored  to  health,  may  he  testify  the  sin- 
cerity of  his  gratitude,  by  an  humble  and  obedient 
walking  before  thee  all  his  days,  and  by  an  habitual 
endeavor  to  prepare  himself  for  thy  heavenly  king- 
dom. 

Let  his  thoughts,  under  this  dispensation,  be  only 
thoughts  of  love  and  thankfulness,  of  resignation 
and  obedience,  and  hope  of  thy  continued  mercy 
and  goodness.  And  0,  let  not  this  trial  of  his  faith 
fail  in  answering  the  purposes  for  which  it  was  sent. 
May  it  awaken  in  his  mind  a  lively  sense  of  the 
shortness  and  uncertainty  of  life,  and  of  his  entire 
dependence  upon  thee  for  health,  strength,  and 
every  temporal  and  spiritual  blessing.  May  it 
make  religion  more  precious  to  his  soul,  and  dis- 
pose him  to  give  all  diligence  to  make  his  calling 
and  election  sure.  May  the  experience  which  he 
has  now  had  of  the  uncertainty  of  life,  and  the 
frailty  of  his  mortal  nature,  dispose  him  to  place 
his  affections  and  desires  supremely  on  things 
above,  and  at  all  times  so  carefully  and  watchfully 
to  live,  that  sickness  or  death  may  not  surprise  him 
unprepared. 

We  pray  for  all  those  who,  in  this  transitory  life, 
are  in  trouble,  sorrow,  need,  sickness,  or  any  other 
adversity.     Of  thy  great  goodness,  O  Lord,  comfort 


76  PRATERS. 

and  succor  them  also.  Show  them  the  light  of  thy 
countenance,  sustain  them  in  all  their  trials,  and 
make  all  things  to  work  together  for  their  present 
and  eternal  welfare.    All  which  we  ask,  &c. 

THANKSGIVING   FOR   COMPLETE   RECOVERY. 

MOST  merciful  and  gracious  God,  the  Giver  of 
life,  of  health,  and  of  safety  ;  Avho  healest  all 
our  diseases  and  savest  us  from  the  power  of  death, 
we  return  thee  our  humble  and  hearty  thanks  for 
thy  great  goodness  in  restoring  this  thy  servant  to 
health.  Gracious  art  thou,  O  Lord,  and  merciful, 
and  full  of  compassion  to  the  children  of  men. 
May  he  have  a  deep  and  lively  sense  of  this  in- 
stance of  thy  mercy  towards  him,  and  be  disposed 
to  show  forth  his  gratitude  for  the  same,  by  devot- 
ing the  residue  of  his  days  in  an  humble,  holy,  and 
obedient  walking  before  thee,  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord. 

0  thou  most  merciful  Preserver  of  men,  as  thou 
hast  now  healed  his  body,  be  pleased  to  heal  his  soul 
also.  Purify  it  from  every  sinful  disorder,  and  as 
he  has  now  the  prospect  of  a  longer  space  to  im- 
prove himself  in  piety  and  virtue,  and  to  prepare 
for  thy  coming  hereafter,  give  him  grace  so  to  im- 
prove it  that  he  may  be  found  of  thee  at  last  in 
peace,  and  be  admitted  by  thee  in  thy  eternal  and 
glorious  kingdom,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

We  beseech  thee,  heavenly  Father,  to  behold 
with  thyjfavor  and  blessing  all  the  sick  and  afflict- 
ed, and  to  supply  them  with  such  blessings  as  they 
stand  in  need  of  Sanctify  thy  fatherly  correction 
to  them,  and  comfort  them  under  all  their  tribula- 
tions, that  they  may  not  faint  under  thy  afflicting 
hand.    And  may  their  light  affliction  of  a  moment 


PRATERS.  77 

work  out  for  them  an  exceeding  and  eternal  weight 
of  glory. 

Bless,  we  pray  thee,  0  Lord,  this  famfl)^  Bless 
them  with  every  good  thing,  spiritual  and  tempo- 
ral. Especially  bless  them  in  their  souls.  May 
they  all  be  savingly  interested  in  the  blood  of  Jesus. 
May  they  all  be  rich  in  faith,  and  heirs  of  thy  king- 
dom. May  their  habitation  be  the  abode  of  peace, 
of  happiness,  and  of  love.  May  it  always  be  a 
house  of  prayer ;  and  from  its  domestic  altar  may 
the  incense  of  prayer  and  praise  daily  ascend  with 
pleasing  acceptance  in  thy  sight,  O  thou  Hearer  of 
prayer. 

And  may  it  please  thee  to  bless  their  children 
also.  May  they  have  grace  to  remember  thee  their 
Creator  in  the  days  of  their  youth.  Purify  their 
hearts  and  sanctify  their  affections,  that  they  may 
grow  up  in  thy  fear  and  service.  And  as  they  grow 
in  stature,  may  they  grow  in  grace  and  wisdom,  and 
in  favor  with  thee  and  man,  and  thus  become  orna- 
ments of  thy  holy  religion.  Graft  in  their  hearts 
the  love  of  thy  name,  increase  in  them  true  re- 
ligion, nourish  them  with  all  goodness,  and  of  thy 
great  mercy  keep  them  in  the  same,  that  so  in  the 
end  they  may  obtain  everlasting  life,  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.    All  which  we  ask,  &c. 

ANOTHER    THANKSGIVING   FOR   COMPLETE 
RECOVERY. 

WE  desire,  with  grateful  hearts,  to  ap^oach  thy 
throne,  most  merciful  Eather,  and  to  bless  and 
praise  thy  holy  name.  Of  thy  goodness  thou  hast 
been  pleased  to  raise  thy  sick  servant  from  the  bed 
of  suffering,  and  to  restore  him  again  to  health. 
What  shall  we  render  unto  thee,  O  Lord,  for  this, 


78  PRATERS. 

and  all  thy  other  benents  !  Truly,  thou  art  g:ood, 
and  thy  mercy  endurcth  forever.  Praise  the  Lord, 
O  our  souls,  and  forget  not  all  his  benefits  :  Who 
forgiveth  all  our  sins,  and  healeth  all  our  infirm- 
ities, who  saveth  our  lives  from  destruction,  and 
crowneth  us  with  mercies  and  loving  kindnesses. 

And  now  that  the  health  of  our  friend  is  again 
restoi-ed,  may  his  life  be  devoted  to  thy  service  and 
to  thy  glory.  May  he  not  forget  the  vows  and 
resolutions  which  were  made  by  him  in  his  sick- 
ness ;  nor  may  they  be  as  the  morning  cloud,  or 
early  dew,  that  vanisheth  away,  but  may  his  life 
testify  that  they  have  all  been  made  in  the  strength 
of  divine  grace.  May  he  now  manifest  less  love 
for  this  world,  and  more  love  for  heaven  ;  less  love 
for.  the  creature,  and  more  love  for  his  Savior. 
Graft  in  his  heart  the  love  of  thy  name ;  increase 
in  him  true  religion,  nourish  him  Avith  all  goodness, 
and  of  thy  great  mercy  keep  him  in  the  same, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

Heavenly  Father,  though  thou  hast  mercifully 
presei'ved  him  at  this  time,  may  he  have  grace 
seriously  to  remember  that  the  time  will  soon  come 
when  he  must  depart  hence.  May  this  thought  in- 
duce him,  and  all  of  us,  diligently  to  prepare  our- 
selves for  the  awful  event,  that  death  may  not  sur- 
prise us  in  a  state  unprepared.  All  which  we 
ask,  &c. 

THANKSGIVING  FOR  RECOVERY. 

¥E  humbly  thank  thee,  O  gracious  God,  that 
thou  hast  heard  the  prayers  of  thy  servants, 
and,  restoring  him  who  was  lately  brought  low  by 
the  visitation  of  sickness,  hast  raised  him  up  from 
the  gates  of  the  grave.     Thou  hast  delivered  his 


PRAYERS.  79 

soul  from  death,  his  eyes  from  tears,  and  his  feet 
from  falling.  O  Lord,  we  thank  and  praise  thee 
sincerely  for  thy  great  mercy.  Let  it  be  good  for 
us  that  we  have  been  in  sorrow  and  affliction  ;  and 
while  our  humble  trust  in  thy  mercy  is  strengthened, 
teach  him  and  us  the  uncertainty  of  this  life,  and 
give  us  grace  to  fix  our  hopes  upon  thy  promises 
of  that  life  which  is  holier  and  happier.  All  which 
we  ask  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake. 

The  following  may  be  added  to  either  of  the  foregoing: 

THOU,  O  Lord,  didst  revoke  the  sentence  which 
appeared  to  have  gone  out  against  thy  sick  ser- 
vant. Unto  thee  may  he  ascribe  the  honor  and 
the  praise.  May  he  be  glad  and  rejoice  in  thy 
mercy,  for  thou  hast  considered  his  trouble,  and 
hast  known  his  soul  in  adversity.  As  thou  hast 
spread  thy  hand  upon  him  for  a"  covering,  so  also 
enlarge  his  heart  with  thankfulness,  and  fill  his 
mouth  with  praise.  And  let  thy  fiivor  and  loving 
kindness  endure  forever  and  ever  upon  thy  servant", 
and  grant  that  what  thou  hast  sown  in  mercy  may 
spring  up  in  duty.  O,  let  thy  grace  so  strengthen 
his  purposes,  that  he  may  sin  no  more.  Let  him 
walk  in  the  light  of  thy  countenance,  and  in  the 
way  of  thy  commandments,  that,  living  here  to  the 
glory  of  thy  name,  he  may  at  last  enter  into  the 
glory  of  thy  kingdom,  and  spend  eternity  in  thy 
praise.     All  which  we  ask,  &c. 

FOR   A   YOUNG   PERSON   WHO    18    SICK. 

A  LMIGHTY  God,  the  Author  and  Disposer  of 
-L±  life  and  of  health,  be  pleased  to  draw  nigh  unto 
us  at  this  time,  we  pray  thee,  and  graciously  regard 
our  supplications  for  this  thy  young  servant.    For- 


80  PRATERS. 

asmucli  as  thon  hast  seen  fit  to  visit  him  with  thy 
chastening  dispensation,  we  entreat  thee  that  it 
may  be  sanctified  to  the  good  of  his  soul.  May  it 
impress  upon  his  tender  mind  the  uncertainty  of 
life,  and  the  importance  of  being  prepared  for  death. 
May  it  teach  him  also  his  dependence  upon  thee, 
and  his  duty  of  prayer,  gratitude,  and  love  to  thee, 
as  the  kind  Giver  of  all  good.  O,  impart  unto  him 
a  spirit  of  prayer  and  repentance,  and  regard  with 
compassion  the  tenderness  of  his  youth,  and  the 
tears  of  his  suflPering.  In  mercy,  we  pray  thee  to 
mitigate  the  pains  of  his  body,  and  to  calm  the 
fears  of  his  mind.  Vouchsafe  unto  him  the  sooth- 
ing influences  of  a  Savior's  love  upon  his  spirit, 
that  he  may  be  wholly  resigned  to  thy  will,  that  his 
present  weakness  may  prove  his  spiritual  strength, 
and  the  confirmation  of  his  faith  in  Christ  to  the 
salvation  of  his  soul.  May  he  be  OAvned  and 
blessed  of  thee  as  an  accepted  lamb  of  thy  flock. 
And  we  pray  thee  that  it  may  please  thee  to  restore 
him  to  health  in  thy  appointed  time,  purified  and 
blessed  by  thy  chastening  corrections  ;  that  his  days 
may  be  prolonged  in  a  life  of  devotedness  to  thee 
and  thy  service,  and  that  he  may  be  instrumental 
in  promoting  thy  glory,  and  of  leading  others  in  the 
way  of  life  everlasting. 

But,  O  God,  however  thou  hast  ordered  the  issue 
of  this  sickness,  we  earnestly  entreat  thee  to  pre- 
pare him  for  his  depai-ture.  May  he  be  purified 
from  all  sinful  defilements,  adorned  witli  the  robes 
of  his  Savior's  righteousness,  and  made  holy  and 
clean  in  the  inner  man.  And  when  tiie  time  of  his 
departure  may  come,  may  he  leave  the  world  in 
peace,  and  in  the  glorious  triumph  of  the  just  made 
perfect,  and  be  received  by  thee  in  the  regions  of 
felicity,  there  to  dwell  forever  and  ever.  All  which 
we  ask,  tSbc. 


PRATERS.  81 


FOR   A   SICK    CHILD. 


ALMIGHTY  God  and  merciful  Eather,  to  whom 
alone  belong  the  issues  of  life  and  death,  look 
down  from  heaven,  we  humbly  beseech  thee,  with 
the  eyes  of  mercy  upon  this  sick  child.  Deliver 
him,  *0  Lord,  in  thy  good  appointed  time  from  his 
bodily  pain,  and  visit  him  with  thy  salvation  ;  that, 
if  it  should  be  thy  good  pleasure  to  prolong  his 
days  here  upon  earth,  he  may  live  to  thee,  and  be 
an  instrument  of  thy  glory  by  doing  good,  and  by 
serving  thee  faithfully  in  his  generation  ;  or  else 
receive  him  into  those  heavenly  habitations  where 
the  souls  of  those  who  sleep  in  Jesus  enjoy  per- 
petual rest  and  felicity.  Grant  this,  O  Lord,  for 
Jesus  Christ's  sake. 

A   SECOND    PRAYER    FOR   A    SICK    CHILD. 

OGOD  of  the  spirit?  of  all  flesh ;  the  smallest  as 
well  as  the  greatest  are  thy  work,  and  neither 
beyond  the  compass  of  thy  providence,  nor  beneath 
thy  notice  and  care.  Wherefore  we  pray  thee, 
heavenly  Father,  to  look  graciously  upon  this  little 
one  ;  let  thy  thoughts  be  full  of  pity,  and  full  of 
compassion  towards  it ;  and  vouchsafe  unto  it  that 
ease  and  relief  which  its  case  x-equires,  and  which 
we  cannot  render.  Deal  very  gently  and  tenderly 
with  it,  0  Lord,  and  lay  not  more  upon  it  than  it 
can  bear.  Prosper  and  bless  the  means  which  are 
used  for  its  recovery,  and  vouchsafe  unto  it  as 
speedy  and  effectual  relief  as  may  be  consistent 
with  thy  will. 

Look  with  ])ity  upon  the  fears  and  sorrows  of  its 
afflicted  parents,  who  acknowledge  their  dependence 
6 


82  PKAYER8. 

upon  thee,  and  rejoice  that  tlicy  are  dependent  upon 
a  merciful  and  praycr-liciirin^j^  God.  If  it  please 
thee,  therefore,  restore  this  little  one  to  licalth,  that 
it  may  grow  uj)  to  he  a  comfort  to  them,  and  an  in- 
strument of  good  in  its  generation;  or  else  receive 
it  in  thy  heavenly  kingdom  for  thy  mercies'  sake, 
in  Cln'ist  Jesus  our  Lord. 

Sanctify  this  affliction,  0  Lord,  to  this  afflicted 
fixniily;  hless  them,  and  cause  the  light  of  thy 
countenance  to  shine  npon  them,  and,  as  a  token 
of  thy  favor,  grant  deliverance  to  this  little  sufferer, 
for  Jesus  Christ's  sake.     Amen. 


A   THIRD   PRAYER   FOR   A    SICK    CHILD. 

OLOllD,  our  only  help  in  time  of  need,  look 
down  from  heaven,  we  humbly  beseech  thee ; 
behold,  visit,  and  relieve  this  sick  child,  in  whose 
behalf  we  now  j)ray.  Look  graciously  upon  it,  and 
bless  the  means  which  are  used  for  its  recovery. 
Lord,  its  life  is  in  thine  hand ;  may  it  be  precious  in 
thy  sight.  Spare  it,  good  Lord  ;  spare  it,  we  be- 
seech thee,  and  grant  it  a  longer  continuance  in 
thy  earthly  kingdom,  — tliat  it  may  yet  see  much 
good  in  this  life,  and  may  become  a  blessing  to  its 
friends,  and  an  instrument  of  good  in  its  genera- 
tion ;  and  that  all  of  us  may  have  occasion,  on 
account  of  its  deliverance,  to  bless  and  magnify 
thy  holy  name. 

We  believe,  O  Lord,  that  thou  knowest  what  is 
best  for  it,  and  for  its  friends,  and  that  thou  wilt  do 
what  is  best  for  both.  Help  them,  thei'cfore,  O 
Lord,  to  bow  with  imi)licit  submission  to  thy  dis- 
pensation, and  not  in  words  only,  but  from  their 
hearts  to  say,  •'  Father,  not  our  will,  but  thine,  be 
done." 


PRATERS.  83 

To  thy  merciful  care  and  keeping  we  now  com- 
mend it,  beseeching  thee  that,  whether  it  live  or  die, 
it  may  be  thine.  Either  preserve  it  to  be  thy  true 
and  faithful  servant  upon  earth,  or  take  it  to  the 
blessedness  of  thy  children  in  the  kingdom  of 
heaven,  through  the  merits  of  our  Lord  and  Sa- 
vior Jesus  Christ.     All  which  we  ask,  &c. 

FOR   A    CHILD    THAT    IS    LIKELY    TO    DIE. 

BLESSED  be  thy  name,  0  Lord,  for  the  assur- 
ance that  not  one  of  these  little  ones  shall 
perish,  and  that  "of  such  is  the  kingdom  of 
heaven." 

Righteous  Father,  who  hath  been  pleased  to  try 
this  little  one  with  sore  atiiiction,  grant  it  now  a 
happy  release  from  the  severity  of  this  trial ;  let 
thy  holy  angels  watch  around  its  bed,  and  when 
its  spirit  quits  its  earthly  tenement,  may  it  be  car- 
ried by  them  into  thy  heavenly  kingdom. 

Look  graciously,  O  Lord,  ujjon  this  family,  and 
give  them  grace  to  be  resigned  to  thy  will.  Let 
them  not  sorrow  as  those  without  hope  —  bearing 
in  mind.  "  tliat  those  wlio  sleep  in  Jesus,  will  God 
bring  with  him  again  at  the  last  day." 

Sanctify  this  affliction  to  their  good,  and  grant 
that  it  may  lead  them  to  live  more  closely  with 
thee,  and  to  devote  themselves  more  heartily  to  thy 
service.  Give  them  grace  to  love  thee  supremely, 
to  live  above  the  world,  and  to  be  diligent  in  every 
good  work,  that  when  they  shall  have  served  thee 
in  their  generation,  they  may  be  gathered  to  their 
children,  having  the  testimony  of  a  good  conscience 
in  the  communion  of  the  church  ;  in  the  confidence 
of  a  certain  faith  ;  in  the  comfort  of  a  reasonable 
and  religious  hope ;  in  favor  with  thee,  our  God, 


84  PRATEKS. 

and  in  perfect  charity  with  the  world.    Grant  these 
petitions,  O  Lord,  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake.    Amen. 

FOR  A  SUNDAY  SCHOOL  SCHOLAR,  VERY  SICK. 

OGOD,  our  heavenly  Father,  thou  who  hast  said 
by  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Redeemer,  "■  Suffer 
little  children  to  come  unto  me ;  "  graciously  regard, 
we  implore  thee,  this  child,  here  lying  in  pain  and 
suffering. 

May  it  please  thee,  most  merciful  Father,  to 
shield  it  as  a  tender  lamb  of  thy  flock,  that  has 
been  taught  to  love  and  obey  thy  precepts,  to  listen 
with  pleasure  to  the  instructions  of  thy  word; 
whose  infant  voice  has  learned  to  call  upon  thy 
holy  name  for  protection,  and  whose  tongue  has 
joined  in  the  songs  of  thy  praise.  Regard  it,  we 
beseech  thee,  in  mercy  now,  and  soothe  the  suffer- 
ing of  its  body ;  let  the  mild  influence  of  thy 
countenance  sweetly  compose  its  tender  spirit,  that 
it  may  not  fear  to  die.  Bless  and  prosper  with 
success  the  means  employed  for  its  recovery.  And, 
O,  if  consistent  with  thy  will,  let  it  be  restored  to 
health,  that  it  may  grow  up  in  the  ways  of  virtue, 
truth,  and  righteousness,  that  its  days  may  be  many 
and  useful  in  the  promotion  of  the  good  of  others, 
that  its  Christian  life  may  be  the  happiness  and 
comfort  of  its  parents,  and  an  example  of  the  fruits 
of  thy  religion  to  the  world.  But  if  thou  hast 
otherwise  determined,  take  it  gently  and  calmly 
from  a  bed  of  suffering,  from  a  world  of  pain, 
sin,  and  sorrow,  home  to  thyself,  there  to  sing  thy 
praises  forever,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

And  now  we  ask  thy  blessing  upon  its  afflicted 
parents,  (its  brothers  and  sisters:)  and  may  this  sick- 
ness, whatever  be  its  result,  as  an  example  of  thy 


PRAYERS. 


85 


chastening  for  good,  teach  them  all  obedience  to 
thee,  and  their  duty  to  look  to  thee  at  all  times,  as 
to  a  kind  and  indulgent  parent,  for  comfort  in 
affliction,  for  grace  in  temptation,  and  for  wisdom 
and  counsel  in  prosperity.  Be  pleased  to  hear  and 
answer  these  our  petitions,  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord  and  Mediator.    Amen. 


FOR  A  SUNDAY  SCHOOL,  SCHOLAR  OF  RESPOKSI- 
BLE  AGE,  SICK,  AND  ANXIOUS  ABOUT  THE 
SALVATION  OF  HIS  SOUL. 

ALMIGHTY  God,  who  takest  away  the  sins  of 
all  those  who  call  upon  thy  holy  name  in  sin« 
cere  faith  and  true  repentance  ;  we  bow  before  thee, 
confessing  our  sinfulness,  yet  relying  upon  thy 
willingness  to  forgive  all  our  transgressions.  O 
regard,  we  earnestly  beseech  thee,  with  mercy  and 
compassion,  thy  young  servant,  now  prostrate  with 
sickness,  who  turns  to  thee  with  an  ardent  desire 
for  the  consolations  of  thy  Spirit  and  blessing  in 
this  time  of  affliction.  Awaken  in  his  heart  a  deep 
sense  of  humiliation  for  his  past  transgressions,  a 
lively  gratitude  for  thy  past  favors  and  long  for- 
bearance, so  kindly  bestowed  upon  him.  And  O, 
assist  him,  by  thy  grace,  sincerely  to  repent  of  his 
sins,  to  rely  upon  thy  blessed  promises  of  salvation 
to  those  who  trust  in  thy  Son,  our  Redeemer  and 
Lord.  Forgive  him,  we  pray  thee,  the  erroi's  and 
follies  of  his  life  ;  and  now  that  he  bows  before  thy 
chastening  rod,  and  supplicates  thy  mercy,  smile 
graciously  upon  him,  and  cause  him  to  realize  that 
thou  dost  answer  his  prayers,  and  art  reconciled  to 
his  favor.  Sanctify  this  sickness  to  his  spiritual 
good.  Let  his  mind  instructively  dwell  upon  thy 
Word,  in  which  he  has  been  so  repeatedly  taught } 


86  PRAYERS. 

and  nitay  its  glorious  truths,  the  revelation  of  thy 
goodness  and  thy  love,  thy  justice  and  thy  mercy, 
thy  promises  to  the  rigliteous  and  thy  penalties  to 
the  wicked,  and  thy  plan  of  redemption  and  salva- 
tion from  sin  freely  offered  to  all,  t)e  deeply  im- 
pressed on  his  mind  ;  and  shouldest  thou  grant  his 
recovery,  for  which  we  humbly  and  earnestly  pray, 
may  all  the  precepts  of  thy  Word,  treasured  in  his 
heart,  be  the  guide  of  his  future  life,  that  he  may 
glorify  thee,  0  Lord,  in  all  his  ways,  and  be  an 
example  and  a  blessing  to  his  generation.  But  if 
thou  hast  otherwise  determined,  0,  for  the  sake  of 
thy  Son,  who  died  for  his  sins,  we  implore  thee  to 
prepare  him  for  death ;  to  purify  his  soul  from  every 
vestige  of  sin,  that,  adorned  with  the  spotless  robes 
of  thy  redeeming  love,  it  may  leave  this  sinful  world 
rejoicing  in  thy  salvation,  prepared  for  thy  holy 
courts,  where,  Avith  the  redeemed  who  have  gone 
before  it,  it  may  glorify  thee,  the  Father,  Son,  and 
Holy  Spirit,  forever  and  ever.     Amen. 

FOR     A     SUNDAY     SCHOOL     SCHOLAR,     SICK     AND 
PENITENT. 

MOST  merciful  Father,  we  bow  before  thee  at 
this  time,  humbly,  but  earnestly,  to  supplicate 
thy  pardoning  mercy  in  behalf  of  this  sick  child, 
who  is  sincerely  sorry  for  his  past  sins,  and  now 
desires  pardon  and  forgiveness.  Gracious  God, 
inasmuch  as  thou  hast  been  pleased,  of  thy  great 
goodness,  so  to  sanctify  this  visitation  of  thy  prov- 
idence to  his  good,  by  making  him  sensible  of  his 
sinfulness  and  penitent  for  his  transgressions,  0, 
continue  thy  work  of  reformation  in  his  heart,  we 
beseech  thee ;  wash  away  all  the  stains  of  sin  from 
his  youthful  spirit,  and  so  entirely  purify  and  ren- 


PRATERS.  87 

ovate  his  disposition  and  affections,  that  he  may 
love  thee  supremely,  and  become  an  humble  and 
docile  lamb  of  thy  flock,  —  ever  ready  to  listen  to 
thy  voice,  and  to  be  obedient  to  thy  will.  Let  thy 
glorious  attributes  —  thy  goodness,  thy  mercy,  thy 
righteousness,  thy  power,  and  thy  boundless  love 
to  thy  children,  of  which  he  has  been  repeatedly 
instructed  in  thy  Word  —  be  so  deeply  impressed 
upon  his  heart,  that  shouldest  thou  spare  his  life, 
for  which  we  earnestly  pray,  the  graces  of  thy  holy 
religion  may  then  increase  Avith  his  years,  and*  in 
due  time  ripen  and  bring  forth  abundant  fruit  to 
thy  honor  and  glory,  and  the  salvation  of  his  soul. 
Regard  with  thy  tenderest  mercy,  we  pray  thee,  the 
sulferings  of  his  body ;  proportion  thy  grace  to  his 
necessities,  and  sanctify  his  affliction  still  more  to 
his  good.  And  O,  gracious  Father,  should  it  be 
thy  will  that  this  sickness  should  result  in  death, 
be  pleased,  we  beseech  thee,  to  prepare  his  spirit 
for  thy  presence,  and  when  it  leaves  his  body,  may 
thy  holy  angels  gently  convey  it  to  the  arms  of  his 
Savior,  there  to  rejoice  and  be  happy  forever.  For 
thy  Son,  our  Redeemer's  sake,  O  Lord,  we  pray 
thee  to  grant  all  these  our  petitions.     Amen. 

FOR  A  SUNDAY  SCHOOL  SCHOLAR  OF  RESPONSI- 
BLE* AGE,  SICK  UNTO  DEATH,  AND  WITHOUT 
HOPE   IN    CHRIST. 

OLORD,  oui  God,  aid  us  by  thy  Spirit,  that  we 
may  look  to  thee  in  confidence  while  we  offer 
our  petitions  in  behalf  of  this  youth  before  thee. 
We  believe  that  thou  hast  heard  and  answered  the 
prayers  of  thy  children  in  times  of  affliction,  and 
in  the  last  hours  of  life  hast  bestowed  thy  pardon- 
ing mercy,  even  upon  malefactors.     We  therefore 


88  PRATERS. 

humbly  ask  thy  mercy  for  this  youth.  Cause  him 
to  realize  that  he  has  sinned  against  thee,  his  Bene- 
factor ;  give  him  grace  that  he  may  sincerely  repent 
and  earnestly  entreat  thy  forgiveness.  0,  through 
the  blood  of  the  atonement,  pardon  his  transgres- 
sions, wash  away  all  the  stains  of  sin  from  his  soul, 
ere  these  last  hours  of  his  probation  be  ended  for- 
ever. Mitigate,  we  pray  thee,  the  sufferings  of  his 
body,  and  as  its  strength  yields  to  the  wasting 
power  of  disease,  destroying  all  hope  of  his  recov- 
ery^ 0,  may  his  soul  yield  to  the  gentle  influences 
of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  that  he  may  be  strong  in  faith, 
strong  in  the  Christian's  hope,  strong  in  the  triumph 
of  thy  salvation,  even  in  the  hour  of  weakness  and 
death.  May  the  manifestations  of  thy  Spirit,  thy 
love,  and  thy  pardoning  grace  and  mercy,  be  such 
as  to  increase  and  perfect  the  faith  and  hope  of  his 
friends  in  the  full  recovery  of  his  soul  from  the 
malady  of  sin,  and  its  restoration  to  thy  favor  ;  and 
may  this  calamity  be  sanctified  to  their  good  also, 
increasing  their  faith  and  obedience  to  thee.  Grant, 
Lord,  that  he  may  be  so  prepared  for  death, — so 
resigned  to  thy  will,  that,  when  the  trying  moment 
shall  come,  the  silver  cord  may  be  gently  loosed, 
that  his  spirit  may  depart  in  peace,  be  borne  to 
thy  presence,  asid  there  welcomed  to  the  joys  of  its 
Lord  and  Savior,  and  be  happy  forever.  Be  pleased 
to  grant  these  our  petitions,  for  the  Redeemer's  sake. 
Amen. 

POR   A   SUNDAY    SCHOOL    TEACHER    IN    SICKNESS 
AND   PAIN. 

OMOST  holy,  blessed,  and  gloiious  Trinity, — 
Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost,  —  Eternal  Three 
in  One  !  we  bow  before  thy  diviue  Majesty  in  great 


PRAYERS.  89 

humility  for  our  sins,  in  adoration  of  thy  glorious 
attributes  and  perfections,  and  in  meek  submission 
to  thy  will.  And  we  beseech  thee,  0  God,  to  re- 
gard us,  thy  unworthy  servants,  with  much  mercy 
and  compassion  while  we  now  implore  thy  gracious 
favor  and  assistance  in  behalf  of  thy  young  servant, 
here  languishing  upon  a  bed  of  pain  and  sickness. 
O  "".ord,  soothe  the  sufferings  of  his  body,  we 
pray  thee,  and  by  thy  grace  comfort  and  resign  his 
spirit  to  thy  chastening  hand.  Dispose  him  to  look 
to  thee  as  to  an  indulgent  parent,  for  mercy,  for 
consolation,  and  for  thy  blessing  in  this  time  of 
need.  0,  strengthen  his  faith  in  thee,  increase  the 
fervor  of  his  prayers,  and  grant  unto  him  the  glow- 
ing influences  of  thy  Spirit  in  his  heart,  as  an  as- 
surance that  thou  hast  remitted  his  sins,  that  he  is 
born  of  the  Spirit,  and  is  an  heir  of  heaven.  And 
though  he  is  now  deprived  of  the  blessings  of 
health,  of  the  enjoyments  of  society,  of  the  sacred 
sanctuary  privileges  of  thy  holy  Sabbath,  and  of 
engaging  in  his  accustomed  duties  of  instructing 
the  young  in  the  truths  of  thy  blessed  Word,  in 
which  his  heart  delighted ;  though  deprived  of  all 
these,  may  his  soul  not  repine,  nor  his  heart  mur- 
mur against  thy  visitation,  but  may  he  realize  that 
he  is  not  deserted  of  thee,  that  thou  art  with  him 
still,  to  cheer  and  sustain  his  spirit  in  this  trial  of 
his  faith.  O,  fill  his  soul  with  thy  love,  and  enliven 
his  mind  with  the  glory  of  thy  presence  ;  elevate 
his  affections,  and  cause  this  sickness  to  wean  his 
heart  from  the  vanities  and  fleeting  enjoyments  of 
the  world,  and  more  forcibly  to  teach  him  that  there 
is  nothing  sure  and  reliable  but  heaven ;  nothing 
abiding  to  the  soul  but  thy  love  ;  and  grant  unto 
him,  we  pray  thee,  these  for  his  comfort,  and  as 
an  earnest  of  eternal  happiness  in  thy  kingdom 


90  PRAYERS. 

Direct  and  bless  with  efficacy,  O  God,  we  beseech 
thee,  the  means  employed  for  his  recovery,  that  it 
may  please  thee  speedily  to  restore  him  to  health, 
to  the  society  of  his  friends,  and  to  the  field  of  his 
labors,  that  his  days  may  be  many  and  useful,  that 
he  may  lead  a  life  of  Christian  piety,  walking  in  the 
ways  of  wisdom,  chai'ity,  and  love  ;  and  that  at  last, 
his  life  ended,  he  may  be  received  into  the  mansions 
of  the  Savior,  and  crowned  as  a  faithful  steward 
of  his  Master  and  Lord.  All  which  we  ask  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Redeemer.     Amen. 

FOR   A   FAMILY   SUDDENLY    BERfeAVED    OF   A 
CHILD    BY   ACCIDENT. 

0  ALMIGHTY  God,  who  alone  hast  the  power 
and  the  right  to  give  and  to  take  away ;  we  bow 
before  thee  at  this  time  to  invoke  the  consolations 
of  thy  Holy  Spirit  in  behalf  of  this  deeply-afflicted 
family.  Thou,  and  thou  only,  O  God,  canst  com- 
fort and  support  them  under  this  sore  bereavement 
—  a  bereavement  as  deep  and  solemn  as  unex- 
pected. 0,  then,  impart  unto  them,  we  earnestly 
beseech  thee,  such  a  measure  of  thy  grace  as  will 
be  sufficient  for  them.  Without  this,  the  tender 
and  endearing  ties  of  parental  love,  so  suddenly 
severed,  cannot  be  bound  up.  Lord,  in  thy  wis- 
dom and  in  thy  love,  thou  hast  seen  fit  to  remove 
from  their  loved  embrace  forever  the  child  of  their 
fondest  affections,  and  this  without  the  customary 
warning  monitions  of  disease.  And  yet  they  know, 
O  merciful  and  gracious  Father,  that  thou  hast 
taken  it  to  thyself  in  that  happier  home,  where  its 
angel  spirit  is  loved  with  more  than  human  affec- 
tion, and  where  it  is  happy  in  the  embrace  of  that 
Savior's  arms,  who  said,  "  Suffer  little  children  to 


PKAYERS.  91 

come  unto  me,  and  forbid  them  not."  In  this  as 
surauoe  mav  they  now  be  resigned  to  thy  blessed 
will,  and  like  tue  afflicted  saints  of  old,  be  disposed 
to  say,  "  The  Lord  gave,  and  the  Lord  hath  taken 
away  ;  blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord."  And,  0 
merciful  Father,  may  this  affliction  be  sanctified  to 
their  spiritual  and  eternal  benefit.  May  it  forcibly 
impress  their  minds  with  the  uncertainty  of  life, 
and  the  all-important  necessity  of  at  all  times  liv- 
ing prepared  for  thy  coming.  Sustain  them  by 
thy  grace  through  this  and  all  the  other  trials  that 
await  them  in  this  world,  and  dispose  them  to  de- 
vote themselves  heartily  to  thy  service,  and  to  live 
in  a  manner  answerable  to  their  Christian  obliga- 
tions, that  so,  having  served  thee  faithfully  in  their 
generation,  they  may  finally  be  privileged  to  join 
their  little  one  again  in  glory.  All  which  we  hum- 
bly ask  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake.     Amen. 

FOR   A   FAMILY,    OF   WHICH     TWO    OR    MORE    ARE 
SICK    WITH    A    CONTAGIOUS    DISEASE. 

0  ALMIGHTY  God,  the  high  and  mighty 
Ruler  of  the  universe,  we  bless  and  adore  thy 
holy  name,  that  thy  ways  are  not  our  ways  ;  for  we 
know  that  thou  judgest  the  world  in  righteousness, 
and  that  all  thy  doings,  though  to  us  often  dark 
and  mysterious,  are  conceived  in  infinite  wisdom 
and  executed  in  mercy,  designed  for  the  spiritual 
elevation  and  eternal  good  of  thy  children.  Look 
graciously,  we  beseech  thee,  0  Lord,  upon  this 
family,  on  whom  thy  afiiicting  hand  has  so  suddenly 
and  heavily  fallen,  and  so  enlighten  them  with 
thy  grace,  that  they  may  perceive  and  feel  that 
thou  doest  all  things  well ;  that  thou  hast  chastened 
to  correct,  an-d  that  thou  dost  scourge  the  body 


92  PRAYERS. 

only  to  purify  the  soul.  May  they  realize  that 
thou  art  the  source  of  all  the  blessings  of  life,  of 
health  and  happiness,  and  that  for  the  enjoyment  of 
these,  they  are  daily  dependent  upon  thy  boundless 
mercy  and  love.  And  now  cause  them,  0  Lord, 
all  to  look  to  thee  in  prayer,  penitence,  and  faith, 
for  assistance  and  consolation  in  this  their  time  of 
need.  O,  may  it  please  thee  to  stay  the  progress 
of  disease  in  their  midst,  —  to  protect  the  other 
members  of  this  family  from  its  contagion.  And 
as  for  those  who  are  now  sulfering  under  its  rava- 
ging power,  we  pray  thee,  0  God,  speedily  to 
mitigate  their  pains,  and  to  bless  with  success  the 
means  used  for  their  recovery,  that,  being  restored 
again  to  health,  they  may  bless  and  praise  thy  holy 
name  for  thy  goodness,  and  glorify  thee,  their  De- 
liverer. But  above  all,  we  entreat  thee,  heavenly 
Father,  to  pardon  and  forgive  their  sins,  to  heal 
their  souls,  and  to  create  in  them  clean  hearts  — 
hearts  that  shall  glow  with  Christian  purity  and 
love,  and  be  fit  temples  for  the  indwelling  of  thy 
blessed  Spirit.  Kindly  bestow  thy  grace  upon 
them,  that  they  may  not  murmur  or  repine  under 
this  trying  dispensation  of  thy  providence.  And 
shouldest  thou  in  thy  wisdom  see  fit  soon  to  remove 
them  from  this  world,  0,  prepare  them  for  the 
solemn  hour  of  departure ;  sustain  them  by  thy 
grace,  that  they  may  welcome  the  grave  as  the 
door  of  heaven,  and  take  them  to  thyself,  there  to 
sing  thy  praises  in  happiness  forevei*.  AH  which 
we  ask  through  the  merits  of  the  atoning  blood  of 
our  blessed  Lord  and  Redeemer.     Amen. 


PRATERS.  93 


A   PRATER   WITH   A    FAMILT. 

OLORD  God,  the  God  of  all  the  families  of  the 
earth,  who  hast  privileged  us  to  draw  nigh  to 
thee  at  all  times  and  in  all  places,  we  bow  down 
before  thee  at  this  time,  to  offer  unto  thee  our 
prayers  and  praises. 

Thy  gracious  promise  is,  that  where  two  or  three 
are  gathered  together  in  thy  name,  thou  wilt  be  in 
the  midst  of  them.  Fulfil  now,  we  pray  thee,  this 
thy  promise  in  regard  to  us.  Be  now  in  the  midst 
of  us,  to  hear  and  answer  us. 

Accept,  we  pray  thee,  O  Lord,  our  grateful  thanks 
for  all  the  blessings  we  enjoy  at  thy  hand.  We 
bless  thee  for  our  creation  and  preservation,  for  our 
food  and  raiment,  our  private  and  public  blessings, 
the  means  of  grace,  and  the  hope  of  glory.  And 
we  pray  thee  to  give  us  such  a  sense  of  thy  mer- 
cies that  our  hearts  at  all  times  may  be  unfeignedly 
thankful,  and  that  we  may  show  forth  our  gratitude, 
not  only  with  our  lips,  but  in  our  lives,  by  an  hum- 
ble, holy,  and  obedient  walking  before  thee  all  our 
days,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

May  it  please  thee,  O  Lord,  to  continue  to  us  the 
exercise  of  thy  providential  care  and  goodness. 
Grant  unto  us,  we  pray  thee,  all  things  needful, 
both  for  our  souls  and  bodies.  Be  merciful  to  us, 
and  forgive  us  all  our  sins.  Fill  us  with  thy  heav- 
enly grace  and  benediction,  that  we  may  truly  love, 
serve,  and  please  thee,  and  evermore  rejoice  in  thy 
holy  comfort.  Keep  us  safe  under  thy  almighty 
protection,  and  especially  from  all  sin  and  wicked- 
ness. And  help  us,  O  Lord,  to  see  thy  hand,  and 
to  own  thy  providence  in  all  our  concerns,  and 
with  great  thankfulness  of  heart  to  trace  up  every 


V 


94 


PRATERS. 


Stream  of  earthly  comfort  to  thee,  the  Fountain  of 
eternal  love. 

Prepare  us  all,  we  pray  thee,  for  the  world  to 
come.  Create  in  us  those  holy  and  heavenly  de- 
sires and  dispositions  which  will  fit  us  for  the  so- 
ciety and  enjoyment  of  thy  holy  angels,  and  of  the 
spirits  of  the  just  made  perfect.    Amen. 

We  further  pray  thee  to  bless  all  our  relations 
and  friends,  thy  church,  this  country,  and  the 
world  at  large.  Have  mercy  especially  on  all  who 
are  in  pain,  sickness,  or  any  other  adversity.  Do 
thou  lighten  tlieir  troubles,  and  support  them  with 
thy  heavenly  grace. 

Einally,  we  pray  thee  to  bless  this  family.  Bless 
them  with  every  good  thing,  spiritual  and  tempo- 
ral. Especially  bless  them  in  their  souls.  May 
they  all  be  savingly  interested  in  the  blood  of  Je- 
sus. May  they  all  be  rich  in  faith,  and  heirs  of  thy 
kingdom.  May  their  habitation  be  the  abode  of 
peace,  of  happiness,  and  of  love.  May  it  always 
be  a  house  of  prayer ;  and  from  its  domestic  altar 
may  the  incense  of  prayer  and  praise  daily  ascend 
with  pleasing  acceptance  in  thy  sight,  0  thou 
Heai'cr  of  prayer. 

And  may  it  please  thee  to  bless  their  children 
also.  May  they  have  grace  to  remember  thee  their 
Creator  in  the  days  of  their  youth.  Purify  their 
hearts  and  sanctify  their  affections,  that  they  may 
grow  up  in  thy  fear  and  service.  And  as  they  grow 
in  stature,  may  they  grow  in  grace  and  wisdom,  and 
in  favor  with  thee  and  man,  and  thus  become  orna- 
ments of  thy  holy  religion.  Graft  in  their  hearts 
the  love  of  thy  name,  increase  in  them  true  re- 
ligion, nourish  them  with  all  goodness,  and  of  thy 
great  mercy  keep  them  in  the  same,  that  so  in  the 
end  they  may  obtain  everlasting  life,  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.    All  which  we  ask,  &c. 


PRAYERS.  95 


ANOTHER    PRAYER  WITH   A   FAMILY. 

\  LMIGHTY  God,  from  whose  bountiful  hand 
-Li.  all  our  temporal  comforts  and  spmtual  bless- 
ings proceed,  while  we  bow  in  thy  presence  with 
.this  family  to  invoke  thy  blessing,  fulfil  unto  us, 
we  pray  thee,  thy  gracious  promise,  that  "  where 
two  or  three  are  gathered  together  in  tliy  name, 
thou  wilt  be  in  their  midst." 

Let  thy  Holy  Spirit,  O  God,  descend  abundantly 
upon  us,  and  so  influence  our  hearts  that,  rejoicing 
in  the  fulness  of  thy  love,  Ave  may  renewedly,  in 
sincerity  of  faith  and  devotedness  of  purpose,  con- 
secrate ourselves  to  thee  and  thy  service,  as  the 
high  and  holy  object  of  our  adoration,  in  obedience 
to  whose  ways  we  shall  delight  to  walk  forever- 
more. 

We  thank  thee,  heavenly  Father,  for  thy  re 
deeming  grace  so  mercifully  extended  unto  us,  and 
we  pray  thee  to  prepare  our  hearts  for  its  reception 
in  the  abundance  of  its  fulness.  Pardon  all  our 
past  transgressions,  and  forgive  us  that  we  have 
not  been  more  dutiful  and  grateful  than  we  have, 
for  the  manifold  blessings  we  have  enjoyed  at  thy 
hand.  O  Lord,  how  great  is  the  sum  of  them ! 
We  cannot  reckon  them.  Accept,  we  beseech  thee, 
our  grateful  thanks  and  acknowledgments. 

Let  thy  blessing,  O  Lord,  descend  upon  all  the 
members  of  this  family.  Bless  them  with  every 
good  thing,  spiritual  and  temporal.  Especially 
we  pray  thee  to  impart  unto  them  individually  that 
grace  which  they  respectively  need,  that  they  may 
be  happy  in  thy  service,  and  in  the  blessed  in- 
fluences of  thy  Holy  Spirit.  Join  all  their  hearts 
together  in  the  union  of  love  and  holiness,  that 


96  PRATERS. 

they  may  exemplify  the  beauty  and  purity  of  the 
religion  of  their  -Savior,  by  dwelling  together  in 
peace,  harmony,  and  affection,  and  thus  manifest 
that  they  are  thy  true  disciples.  May  they  proper- 
ly appreciate,  too,  and  duly  improve,  the  great  civil 
and  religious  advantages  they  enjoy ;  seeing  that 
"the  lines  have  fallen  unto  them  in  pleasant, 
places,"  and  that  they  live  in  a  land  of  civil  and 
religious  freedom,  on  which  the  Sun  of  Righteous- 
ness doth  brightly  shine,  and  that  abounds  with  the 
multiplified  manifestations  of  thy  love  and  favor. 
0,  may  they  all  have  grace  to  manifest  their  gi-ati- 
tude  for  these  and  every  other  blessing  they  enjoy, 
by  lives  of  humble  and  holy  obedience  to  thy  blessed 
will ;  and  when  their  days  are  numbered  upon  earth, 
Kiay  they  be  received  by  thee  in  thy  heavenly  king- 
dom as  good  and  faithful  servants,  there  to  be  re- 
united in  those  endearing  bonds  which  death  had 
sundered,  and  to  enjoy  the  beatific  vision  of  thy 
presence  forever  and  ever.  Grant  all  these  pe- 
titions, O  Father,  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake.    Amen. 

FOR   A   SUNDAY   SCHOOL    SCHOLAR.    SICK   AND    IN 
GREAT   PAIN. 

OTHOU  who  temperest  the  wind  to  the  shorn 
lamb,  and  who  dost  regard  the  young  raven's 
cry,  hear  thou  our  prayers,  we  earnestly  implore 
thee,  for  this  little  one  in  distress.  May  it  please 
thee,  in  thy  tender  mercy,  to  mitigate  the  pains  of 
its  body,  and  to  soothe  its  gentle  spii-it  to  the  quiet- 
ness of  repose.  Grant  unto  it  refreshing  sleep,  that 
it  may  be  endued  with  strength  sufficient  to  with- 
stand the  w^asting  power  of  its  disease. 

And  in  submission  to  thy  will,  we  pray  thee  to 
bless  with  success  the  means  used  for  its  recovery, 


PRAYERS.  97 

that  it  may  be  speedily  relieved  from  all  its  suffer 
ings,  and  restored  again  to  health,  to  the  joy  and 
comfort  of  its  parents  ;  that  its  days,  precious  in 
thy  sight,  may  be  many  and  useful,  devoted  to 
thy  service  in  the  promotion  of  good  works,  and 
crowned  with  thy  love. 

But  if  it  be  tliy  will  to  take  it  soon  from  this 
world  of  sin,  sickness,  and  sorrow,  0,  be  pleased  to 
prepare  it  for  death,  and  for  heaven  ;  wash  away  all 
the  sins  of  its  tender  years,  and  take  it  in  mercy  to 
thyself,  there  in  happiness  to  pi-aise  thee,  its  deliv- 
erer, blessed  forevermore. 

Let  thy  blessing  rest  upon  this  family ;  give 
them  each  a  spirit  of  resignation  to  thy  will,  in  the 
issues  of  this  present  affliction.  Assist  them  to  put 
their  trust  always  in  thee ;  to  love  and  to  serve 
thee  faithfully  on  earth,  that  they  may  be  prepared 
to  die  in  peace,  and  in  the  triumphaat  hope  of  a 
blessed  immortality  with  thee  and  thine,  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  through  whose  merits  and 
intercession  we  pray  thee  to  grant  these  our  pe- 
titions.   Amen. 

FOR  A  SUNDAY  SCHOOL  SCHOLAR  IN  A  PRO- 
TRACTED ILLNESS,  WITH  SLIGHT  HOPES  OF 
RECOVERY. 

OTHOU  God  of  all  grace  and  comfort  in  afflic- 
tion, we  would  bow  before  thee  in  meekness 
and  submission  to  thy  holy  will,  while  we  imploi'c 
thy  gracious  assistance  and  blessing  in  behalf  of 
this  thy  young  servant.  Long  hath  he  been  pros- 
tx'ated  upon  a  bed  of  suffering  and  bodily  pain,  and 
we  pray  that  it  may  please  thee  soon  to  restore 
him  to  health,  and  to  the  enjoyment  of  the  society 
of  his  friends,  and  to  the  blessed  privileges  of  the 
7 


98  PRATERS, 

means  of  grace,  and  the  Sabbath  school,  in  which 
his  heart  hath  so  often  deliuhted. 

We  praise  thee,  heavenly  Father,  for  the  measifre 
of  thy  grace  in  mercy  bestowed  upon  him,  enabling 
him  thus  long  to  endure  his  affliction  without  mur- 
muring or  repining.  And  0,  may  it  be  still  fur- 
ther blessed  and  sanctified  to  the  salvation  of  his 
soul.  May  his  hope  and  his  faith  in  Christ  daily 
increase  in  strength  and  brightness,  tilling  his  heart 
with  love  to  thee,  knowing  that  all  his  sufferings 
here  in  this  world  are  permitted  for  the  good  of  his 
soul.  And  if  it  be  thy  will  soon  to  remove  him 
hence,  O,  may  he  depart  in  peace ;  may  he  enter 
the  dark  valley  rejoicing  in  thy  salvation,  realizing 
that  his  sins  have  all  been  forgiven  ;  and  that  in 
dying,  he  is  but  going  home  to  the  blessed  man- 
sions of  his  Redeemer,  prepared  for  those  who  love 
their  Savior,  and  are  obedient  to  his  holy  will. 

We  now  commend  him  to  thy  fatherly  care  and 
keeping,  believing  that  thou  wilt  hear  and  answer 
his  and  our  prayers,  so  far  as  is  consistent  with  thy 
purposes,  and  that  in  the  issue  of  this  alHiction  thou 
wilt  do  all  things  well. 

All  which  we  ask  through  the  merits  and  atone- 
ment of  Christ  our  Lord  and  Savior.    Amen. 

POR  A  SUNDAY  SCHOOL  SCHOLAR  IN  PAIN,  WHO 
HAS  RECENTLY  MET  WITH  A  SEVERE  ACCI- 
DENT. 

OTHOU  whose  ways  are  past  finding  out,  our 
Preserver  and  Benefactor,  we  earnestly  crave 
thy  blessing  upon  this  family,  and  especially  upon 
this  suffering  child,  so  suddenly  prostrated  upon  a 
bed  of  pain.  We  bless  and  praise  thee,  thafin  the 
time  of  danger  thou  wast  near,  that  thine  arm  was 


PKATEKS.  99 

there  to  interpose,  and  that  his  life  is  still  spared. 
May  this  accident  deeply  impress  upon  all  our 
minds  that  we  dwell  in  the  midst  of  dangers  ;  that 
we  are  shielded  and  upheld  through  thy  mercy 
alone,  and  that  there  is,  no  safety  but  in  thy  love 
and  gracious  care.  May  it  teach  us  the  all-impor- 
tant necessity  to  live  daily  and  hourly  in  a  state  of 
preparation  for  death ;  that,  if  suddenly  removed 
from  life,  we  may  not  be  cut  off  in  our  sins  with- 
out hope  in  Christ,  and  with  the  horror  and  the  woe 
of  the  second  death  before  us.  O,  by  thy  grace, 
cause  this  accident,  we  pray  thee,  to  be  a  very 
blessing  to  each  member  of  this  family ;  may  it 
turn  their  hearts  to  thee  in  repentance  for  their 
sins,  in  prayer  for  thy  abiding  protection,  and  in 
gratitude  for  thy  kindness  and  mercy. 

Be  pleased,  6  most  merciful  and  gracious  Fa- 
ther, to  command  thy  blessing  specially  upon  this 
sufferer ;  cause  him  to  pray  to  thee  for  thy  pardon- 
ing favor,  forgive  him  his  sins,  comfort  and  soothe 
him  in  his  affliction,  spare  him  from  the  severities 
of  pain,  and,  if  consistent  with  thy  designs  in  re- 
gard to  him,  restore  him  speedily  to  his  former 
health,  so  blessed  and  improved  by  thy  grace  in  his 
heart,  that  he  may  rejoice  that  he  has  been  afflicted. 

As  ]-espects  this  family,  may  it  please  thee,  O 
Lord,  ever  to  bless  and  guard  them  in  mercy  ;  lead 
them  in  the  paths  of  duty  and  holiness,  that  they 
may  diligently  serve  thee  in  life  ;  and  after  death, 
saved  by  thy  grace,  through  the  blood  of  the  atone- 
ment, be  all  permitted  to  assemble  at  thy  right  hand, 
there  to  praise  thee,  their  God  and  their  Redeemer, 
forever  and  ever.     Amen. 


100  PRAYERS. 


FOR   A   PERSON   WHO    IS   VERY    SICK. 

0  ALMIGHTY  God,  the  help  of  all  who  put 
their  trust  in  thee,  and  the  relief  of  the  needy, 
hear  us,  we  pray  thee,  in  behalf  of  this  thy  sick 
servant.  Look  upon  him,  we  pray  thee,  with  thy 
tenderest  pity  and  compassion,  and  be  gracious  and 
favorable  to  him  according  to  the  multitude  of  thy 
tender  mercies  in  Christ  Jesus. 

Li  submission  to  thy  will,  we  pray  thee,  0  Lord, 
to  abate  his  distemper,  to  ease  his  pains,  and  to 
bless  the  means  that  are  used  for  his  recovery. 
Thou  only,  O  Lord,  canst  effectually  remove  his 
malady  ;  be  pleased,  then,  we  pray  thee,  to  do  so 
And,  Lord,  lay  not  more  upon  him  than  thou  wilt 
enable  him  to  bear.  Consider  his  weakness,  and 
proportion  thy  grace  to  his  necessities,  that  he  may 
endure  this  sickness  with  patience  and  resignation 
to  thy  blessed  will.  Give  him  ease  and  comfort 
under  his  sufferings  ;  hear  his  complaints,  and  in 
thy  good  time  remove  the  cause  of  them.  But, 
O  God,  should  it  be  thy  will  that  this  sickness 
should  be  his  last  sickness,  grant  that  it  may  be  an 
effectual  preparation  for  a  joyful  admission  into 
thy  kingdom  above.  Wash  and  cleanse  his  soul 
from  all  its  defilements  in  the  blood  of  thy  dear 
Son.  Grant  unto  him  a  true  and  unfeigned  re- 
pentance of  all  his  sins,  and  an  assured  interest  in 
the  blood  of  Jesus.  And  take  from  him,  O  God, 
the  fear  and  sorrow  of  death,  and  let  thy  rod  and 
thy  staff  support  him  in  his  passage  through  the 
dark  valley.  Grant  him  strength  to  withstand  all 
the  assaults  of  Satan,  and  the  powers  of  darkness. 
Keep  his  senses  entire,  and  his  understanding-right; 
may  he  have  a  lively  faith,  a  well-grounded  hope, 


PRATERS.  101 

and  an  abundant  charity  ;  grant  unto  him  an  easy 
^nd  comfortable  departure  ;  may  holy  angels  take 
his  soul  to  paradise,  there  to  await  with  certainty 
his  perfect  consummation  and  bliss  in  thy  ever- 
lasting kingdom,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

We  intercede  with  thee,  heavenly  Father,  for  all 
those  who  are  in  sorrow,  sickness,  or  any  kind  of 
trouble.  Give  them  the  consolations  which  thou 
alone  canst  bestow.  Put  in  their  hearts  a  holy 
trust  in  thee,  and  a  sui'C  hope  in  thy  promises. 
And  may  those  who  are  encompassed  with  infirm- 
ities, and  who  feel  that  their  outward  man  is 
perishing,  be  strengthened  with  might  by  thy  Spirit 
in  the  inner  man,  that  so  their  light  affliction,  which 
is  but  for  a  moment,  may  work  out  for  them  a  far 
more  exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of  glory.  All 
which  we  ask,  &c. 

FOR   ONE    VERY    ILL. 

OTHOU  Father  of  mercies,  and  God  of  all  com- 
fort, who  art  the  hope  of  all  who  put  their  trust 
in  thee,  look  with  pity,  we  beseech  thee,  upon  this 
thy  sick  servant.  Be  very  gracious  unto  him,  and 
vouchsafe  unto  him  such  sti-ength  and  consolation 
as  his  case  requires.  Consider  his  weariness,  which 
calls  aloud  for  rest,  and  his  weakness,  which  greatly 
needs  refreshment.  Grant  unto  him,  therefore, 
whatever  thou  seest  needful,  both  for  his  soul  and 
body.  Endue  his  mind  with  patience  under  his 
affliction,  and  with  resignation  to  thy  blessed  will ; 
comfort  him  with  a  sense  of  thy  goodness,  lift  upon 
him  the  light  of  thy  countenance,  and  give  him 
peace.  Cause  him  to  know  the  truth  of  thy  prom- 
ises, the  tenderness  of  thy  car^,  and  the  support  and 
consolations  of  thy  grace. 


102  PRAYERS. 

And  should  it  be  thy  will,  O  God.  that  this  sick- 
ness should  result  in  death,  so  fit  and  prepare  him  , 
for  it,  we  pray  thee,  that  he  may  die  the  death  of 
the  righteous,  and  his  last  end  be  peaceful  and 
blessed.  May  it  be  the  blessed  instrument  in  thy 
hand  for  purifying  his  soul,  and  for  making  him 
meet  for  thy  heavenly  kingdom.  Work  in  him 
and  do  for  him  whatever  thou  seest  needful  for  his 
spiritual  and  eternal  interests.  And  when  he  passes 
through  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death,  do  thou, 
O  blessed  Savior,  be  with  him,  to  comfort  and  sup- 
port him.  Defend  him  from  his  spiritual  enemies, 
and  cheer  and  sustain  him  in  all  his  agonies,  weak- 
nesses, and  temptations.  And  when  he  leaves  this 
world,  O  God,  receive  him  to  thyself,  in  that  blessed 
place  where  there  is  no  more  sickness  or  sorrow, 
and  where  tears  are  wiped  away  from  all  faces ; 
where  thou,  O  Lord,  wilt  be  the  joy  of  thy  people, 
and  the  days  of  their  mourning  shall  be  ended. 

We  commend  to  thy  fiitherly  care  all  the  poor, 
the  sick,  the  needy,  and  the  afflicted.  Make  all 
their  troubles  and  trials  to  work  together  for  their 
present  and  eternal  good,  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord. 

And  when  the  days  of  their  pilgrimage  draw  to 
a  close,  and  the  time  of  their  departure  is  at  hand, 
may  they  and  we  be  enabled  individually  to  say, 
"  Lord,  now  let  thy  servant  depart  in  peace,  for 
mine  eyes  have  seen  thy  salvation." 

And  in  the  mean  time,  may  we  be  steadfast  and 
immovable,  and  always  abound  in  the  work  of  the 
Lord,  knowing  assuredly  that  our  labor  shall  not 
be  in  vain  in  the  Lord.     Grant  all  these,  &c. 


PRATERS.  103 


A    SECOND,    POR    ONE    VERY    ILL. 

WE  bow  down  before  thee,  O  Lord  of  heaven 
and  earth,  acknowledging  that  we  are  but  dust, 
and  unworthy  to  speak  to  thee,  either  for  ourselves 
or  others.  For  Christ's  sake,  we  pray  thee  to  grant 
the  petitions  which  we  now  ask. 

We  humbly  implore  thy  tender  compassion  for 
this  our  sick  friend,  who  desires  our  prayers.  Gra- 
cious God,  look  down  upon  him  with  pity,  and  sup- 
port him  under  thy  afflicting  hand.  Work  in  him 
true  repentance  for  all  the  sins  he  hath  committed 
against  thee,  in  thought,  v/ord,  and  deed.  Give 
him  a  lively  and  steadfast  faith  in  Christ  Jesus ; 
fill  him  with  a  lively  hope  of  that  immortal  life 
which  Christ  hath  purchased  and  promised  to  all 
true  believei's  ;  till  him  with  a  powerful  sense  of 
thy  fatherly  love  and  watchful  care  over  him  in 
the  most  afflicted  condition.  Bestow  upon  him  thy 
heavenly  supports  and  comforts,  and  give  him  pa- 
tience and  submission  to  thy  holy  will  during  this 
visitation  of  sickness. 

We  know,  O  Lord,  that  with  thee  there  is  noth- 
ing impossible.  If  thou  wilt  thou  canst  raise  him 
up,  and  grant  liim  a  longer  continuance  in  this 
world.  May  it  be  thy  gracious  pleasure  to  restore 
him  to  us.  May  it  please  thee  to  save  and  deliver 
him  for  thy  goodness'  sake,  O  Lord.  Direct  and 
bless  the  means  which  may  be  used  for  his  recov- 
ery, and  make  them  effectual.  Command  the  dis- 
ease to  leave  him.  and  restore  him  to  health  and 
usefulness.  And  in  the  mean  time,  help  him  meek- 
ly to  resign  himself  to  thy  disposal,  and  quietly  to 
wait  for  ease  and  comfort  here,  and  for  everlasting 
rest  and  happiness  in  a  future  state,  through  Jesus 
Clirist  our  Lord.     Amen. 


104  PRATERS. 


FOR  ONE  DANGEROUSLY  ILL. 

OLORD  God,  who  ordereth  all  things  hi  heaven 
and  earth,  and  with  whom,  alone  are  the  issues 
of  life  and  death ;  we  come  unto  thee  as  our  only 
help  in  time  of  need,  humbly  to  supplicate  thee  in 
behalf  of  this  person  here  lying  in  great  weakness 
of  body  under  thy  afflicting  hand.  Look  gracious- 
ly and  favorably  upon  him,  O  Lord,  and  vouchsafe 
unto  him  that  assistance  which  his  case  requires. 
We  know,  O  Lord,  that  if  thou  wilt  thou  canst 
raise  him  up,  and  heal  his  intirmities.  And  in  sub- 
mission to  thy  will,  we  pray  thee  that  thou  wilt  do 
so.  Spare  him,  we  beseech  thee,  heavenly  Father, 
and  grant  him  a  longer  continuance  in  this  world. 
Manifest  thy  power  and  thy  goodness  in  raising 
him  from  this  bed  of  sickness,  in  prolonging  his 
days,  and  in  making  him  a  monument  of  thy  sav- 
ing mercy  in  Christ  Jesus. 

But,  0  God,  should  it  be  thy  will  that  this  sick- 
ness should  result  in  death,  do  thou  so  prepare  him 
for  it,  that  he  may  meet  it  with  fortitude  and  firm- 
ness. May  all  his  sins  be  washed  away  in  the 
blood  of  Jesus,  and  may  he  have  an  assured  inter- 
est in  his  merits.  Grant  that  he  may  look  upon 
death  as  a  conquered  enemy,  and  not  be  terrified 
at  his  approach.  Do  thou,  0  blessed  Jesus,  be  with 
him,  and  make  him  to  know  and  feel  that  thou  art 
at  peace  with  him,  and  that  thou  wilt  conduct  him 
in  safety  to  thy  kingdom  of  glory.  And  may  this 
thought  not  only  cheer  and  sustain  him  in  whatever 
sufferings  he  may  yet  endure,  but  cause  him  to  re- 
joice in  the  hope  and  prospects  of  eternal  happi- 
ness. And  in  the  mean  time,  may  he  so  endeavor 
to  improve  the  time  which  thou  shalt  yet  allow  him, 


PRATERS.  105 

that  he  may  daily  become  pux'er  in  thy  sight,  and 
more  meet  for  thy  presence  hereafter.  And  when 
he  dies,  may  he  die  supported  with  the  consola- 
tions of  the  gospel,  and  have  an  abundant  entrance 
ministered  to  him  in  thy  eternal  and  everlasting 
kingdom,  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord  and 
Savior. 

Look  graciously,  O  Lord,  upon  this  family,  and 
sanctify  this  sickness  to  their  good.  Awakened  by 
this  visitation  to  a  deep  sense  of  the  one  thing 
needful,  may  their  thoughts  and  hopes  be  raised  to 
thee.  May  they  not  faint  under  thy  fatherly  cor- 
rection, nor  be  weary  of  thy  rebuke,  but  may  they 
endeavor  to  improve  the  same  to  the  salvation  of 
their  souls.  Let  thy  Holy  Spirit  and  thy  blessing 
descend  upon  them ;  and  do  thou,  0  God,  so  lead 
them  through  this  world  of  sin  and  sorrow,  that 
finally  they  too  may  attain  to  everlasting  happi- 
ness, through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

ANOTHER  FOR  ONE  DANGEROUSLY  ILL. 

OLORD,  our  only  help  in  time  of  need,  we  bow 
down  before  thee  in  this  time  of  sore  distress, 
most  earnestly  to  supplicate  thy  gracious  aid 
and  blessing  in  behalf  of  this  our  sick  friend.  O, 
look  upon  him,  we  pray  thee,  with  thy  tenderest 
pity  and  compassion,  and  vouchsafe  unto  him  that 
relief  both  for  his  soul  and  body  which  his  case  re- 
quires. 0  Lord,  take  him  not  hence,  we  pray  thee, 
but  spare  him,  good  Lord,  and  restore  him  again  to 
health,  and  to  the  comfort  and  society  of  his  friends 
and  relatives.  Gladden  our  hearts  by  granting  him 
a  longer  continuance  in  this  world,  and  so  fill  us 
with  joy  and  gratitude.  May  he  be  spared  to  live  a 
life  of  usefulness  in  his  generation,  and  to  promote 


106  PRATERS. 

thy  honor  and  glory.  But  whatever  may  be  the 
issue  of  this  sickness,  0  God,  may  it  be  abundant- 
ly sanctified  to  his  good.  Freely  forgive  him  all 
his  sins ;  cheer  and  comfort  his  soul  with  the  con- 
solations of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  and  cause  it  to  glow 
with  gratitude  and  love  for  all  thy  mercies  towards 
him.  And  0,  may  he  triumph  in  that  faith  which 
feels  its  sins  forgiven,  and  knows  that  its  Redeemer 
liveth.  May  he  be  effectually  sprinkled  with  the 
blood  of  the  atonement,  and  so  be  made  pure  and 
spotless  in  thy  sight,  and  be  adorned  with  all  holy 
and  heavenly  graces,  that  in  the  last  day  he  may 
appear  as  a  beautiful  gem  in  the  crown  of  his  blessed 
Redeemer.  0  Lord,  prepare  him  for  whatever  in 
thy  good  pleasure  thou  mayest  see  fit  to  order  in 
regard  to  him.  And  should  it  be  thy  will  to  take 
him  soon  from  this  world  of  sorrow  and  trouble, 
grant  that  his  mind  may  be  meekly  resigned  to  the 
dispensation.  Prepare  him  for  it,  O  Lord  ;  be  with 
him  in  his  last  agonies,  and  make  his  dying  hour 
peaceful  and  easy.  And  when  his  soul  quits  its 
earthly  tenement,  may  holy  angels  conduct  it  in 
triumph  to  the  habitations  of  glory,  there  to  be 
welcomed  to  thy  blissful  presence,  and  to  live  and 
reign  with  thee  forever  and  ever.    Amen. 

FOR  ONE  VERY  SICK,  THAT  HE  MAY  BE  RE 
SIGNED  TO  DIE. 

OMOST  gracious  and  merciful  Father,  grant, 
Ave  beseech  thee,  that  this  thy  sick  servant  may 
be  always  ready  to  obey  thy  summons,  whenever 
thou  shalt  see  fit  to  call  him  hence.  Forgive  him 
all  his  sins,  and  let  him  come  to  his  great  change 
without  guilt  and  without  fear.  May  he  always  be 
ready,  in  humble  confidence  iu  thy  mercy,  for  the 


PKATEKS.  107 

hour  of  his  departure.  Enable  him,  0  God,  to  re- 
gard death  as  a  happy  release  from  all  the  weak- 
nesses and  sorrows,  the  troubles  and  trials,  of  this 
mortal  life.  Manifest  thyself  unto  him  as  thou 
dost  not  unto  the  world,  and  give  him  a  taste  of 
thy  glory,  and  of  those  joys  which  thou  hast  pre- 
pared for  the  righteous  hereafter.  Cause  him  to 
rejoice  in  a  sense  of  thy  pardoning  mercy  here,  and 
the  promise  of  thy  everlasting  favor  in  the  world 
to  come.  And  give  him  an  unwavering  faith  and 
a  comfortable  hope  in  the  full  and  perfect  sacrifice 
which  was  made  on  the  cross  for  the  atonement  of 
sin,  and  grant  that  he  may  pass  through  the  grave 
and  gate  of  death  to  a  joyful  resurrection,  for  his 
merits  who  died  and  was  buried,  and  rose  again  for 
us,  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

FOR   A   DUE   PREPARATION   FOR    DEATH. 

0  ALMIGHTY  God,  who  hast  made  death  the 
necessary  passage  to  eternal  life,  and  who  hath 
required  that  we  should  regard  this  life  as  but  a 
season  of  preparation  for  the  next ;  grant,  we  pray 
thee,  unto  this  thy  servant,  that  he  may  so  profit- 
ably improve  his  pi-esent  sickness,  that,  when  the 
time  of  his  dissolution  draws  nigh,  he  may  be  fully 
prepared  for  the  solemn  event,  and,  in  the  full  con- 
fidence of  a  certain  hope,  yield  up  his  soul  into  thy 
hand,  as  into  the  hand  of  a  faithful  Creator  and 
most  merciful  Savior.  Instruct  and  assist  him  in 
the  great  work  of  preparation  for  his  dying  hour, 
that  he  may  be  enabled  to  meet  it  with  Christian 
calmness  and  composure,  and  with  becoming  for- 
titude of  mind.  And  may  he  be  able,  with  the 
assistance  of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  so  effectually  to  ac- 
complish this  work  as  to  be  fitted  for  heaven  ere 


108  PRAYERS. 

he  leaves  this  earth,  and  have  an  assured  sense  of 
thy  reconciled  love  and  favor  towards  him.  And 
when  the  period  of  his  dissolution  draws  near,  may- 
he  calmly  resign  himself  to  thy  will  in  a  firm  faith 
and  well-grounded  hope,  with  a  true  and  sincere 
repentance,  in  favor  with  thee  our  God,  and  in  per- 
fect charity  with  the  world. 

And  in  that  solemn  hour,  do  thou,  0  God,  com- 
fort and  support  him.  Be  with  him  in  his  passage 
through  the  dark  valley,  and  grant  him  that  assist- 
ance which  he  may  stand  in  need  of.  Support  him 
in  his  last  agonies,  defend  him  from  his  spiritual 
enemies,  and  let  nothing  be  able  to  terrify  or  dis- 
compose his  soul.  And  when  his  spirit  quits  its 
earthly  tenement,  may  it  be  received  by  holy  angels, 
and  conveyed  in  safety  to  the  mansions  of  rest  and 
peace,  there  to  live  with  thee  in  life  everlasting, 
through  the  merits  and  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord  and  Savior. 

We  commend  to  thy  grace  and  protection  all 
the  sick  and  afflicted.  May  their  repentance  be 
perfect,  their  faith  strong,  their  love  fervent,  and 
their  hope  steadfast,  that  so  they  also  may  at  last 
be  gathered,  with  all  thy  faithful,  to  the  mansions 
of  everlasting  bliss.  For  Jesus  Christ's  sake,  we 
ask  all  these  petitions.    Amen. 

A    PRATER   WITH    ONE   WHO     HAS     THOUGHTS    OP 
BEING    BAPTIZED. 

OST  merciful  Father,  who,  of  thy  tender  love 
to  mankind,  didst  give  thine  only  Son  to  die 
for  them,  and  who  hast  graciously  assured  us  that 
thou  art  now  willing  to  receive  all  who  come  unto 
thee,  favorably  regard,  we  pray  thee,  this  person 
here  present  before  thee,  who  is  desirous  to  avail 


PRATERS.  109 

himself  of  the  appointed  means  of  salvation  ;  and 
who  is  somewhat  disposed  to  receive  the  ordinance 
of  baptism,  but  who  is  deterred  from  doing  so  by 
a  deep  sense  of  guilt  and  unworthiness. 

Have  mercy  upon  him,  0  Lord,  and  vouchsafe 
unto  him  such  a  lively  sense  of  thy  fatherly  love 
and  goodness,  and  of  thy  willingness  to  embrace  in 
thine  arms  of  mercy  every  sincere  penitent,  how- 
ever unworthy  he  may  feel,  as  will  induce  him  to 
approach  thee  in  confidence,  and  receive  the  ordi- 
nance to  his  spiritual  and  eternal  benefit. 

0  Lord,  let  thy  Holy  Spirit  descend  upon  him, 
and  so  enlighten  his  mind,  that  he  may  have  a  right 
perception  and  understanding  of  his  privileges  in 
relation  to  this  matter. 

Teach  him,  O  God,  that  the  dispensation  of  the 
gospel  is  a  dispensation  of  love  and  mercy  ;  that 
its  end  and  design  is  to  save  sinners,  those  who  are 
sensible  of  their  sins ;  and  that  the  most  unworthy 
are  freely  welcome  to  avail  themselves  of  the  glo- 
rious privilege,  upon  condition  simply  that  they 
repent  of  their  sins,  exercise  faith  in  thee,  and  are 
sincerely  desirous  to  love  and  serve  thee.  Gi'ant 
that  the  feeling  of  unworthiness,  instead  of  deter- 
ring, may  rather  encourage  him  to  come  to  thee,  — 
seeing  that  thou  hast  specially  invited  such  to  come 
• — those  who  are  burdened  with  the  weight  of  their 
sins,  and  hast  graciously  assured  us,  that  "  whoso- 
ever Cometh  unto  thee,  thou  wilt  in  no  wise  cast 
out," 

Lord,  let  him  no  longer  abstain  from  availing 
himself  of  his  inestimable  privilege  ;  but  grant  that 
he  may  immediately  prepare  himself  for  this  solemn 
act,  by  repenting  of  his  sins  and  imploring  those 
heavenly  aids  which  thou  hast  promised  to  bestow 
on  all  who  ask  them.    Hear  and  answer  all  the 


110  PRAYERS. 

prayers  that  he  may  make  unto  thee,  and  bestow 
upon  him  plentifully  the  enlightening  and  sanc- 
tifying influences  of  thy  Holy  Spirit.  What  he 
knows  uot,  teach  him,  and  what  he  knows,  enable 
him  to  practise.  Pardon  all  his  past  sins,  and 
create  in  him  a  clean  heart  and  a  right  spirit.  Yea, 
increase  in  him,  O  God,  the  good  seed  of  thy  grace, 
Avhich  thou  hast  already  sown  in  his  heart,  and 
grant  that  it  may  bring  forth  much  fruit  to  perfec- 
tion.    We  ask  all,  &c. 

A     PRAYER   WITH    ONE   WHO    DESIRES     BAPTISM. 

MOST  merciful  and  gracious  Father,  who  art 
ever  ready  to  receive  those  who  come  unto 
thee  in  penitence  and  faith,  look  graciously  upon 
this  thy  servant,  who  is  disposed  to  dedicate  him- 
self to  thy  service  in  baptism,  and  to  live  to  thy 
honor  and  glory.  Under  a  deep  sense  of  his  un- 
worthiness,  he  would  now  humbly  implore  the  for- 
giveness of  all  his  sins,  and  grace  to  enable  him 
henceforth  to  live  agreeably  to  thy  word  and  will. 
Wherefore,  we  pray  thee  to  grant  unto  him  free 
and  full  foi'giveness,  and  a  lively  faith  in  thy  Son 
Jesus  Christ.  Create  in  him  a  clean  heart  also, 
and  renew  a  right  spirit  within  him.  Pour  down 
upon  him  the  abundant  influence  of  thy  Holy 
Spirit,  and  so  sanctify  his  heart  and  renew  his 
mind,  that  he  may  be  a  worthy  partaker  of  that 
holy  ordinance.  And  when  he  receives  the  same, 
may  he  receive  the  promised  remission  of  all  his 
sins,  and  a  saving  interest  in  all  tlie  blessings  of 
the  covenant  of  grace  in  Christ  Jesus.  And  hum- 
bly we  beseech  thee  to  grant,  that  he,  being  dead 
to  sin,  and  living  unto  righteousness,  and. being 
buried  with  Christ  in  his  death,  may  crucify  the  old 


PKATERS.  Ill 

man,  and  utterly  abolish  the  whole  body  of  sin,  so 
that  all  sinful  affections  may  die  in  him,  and  all 
things  belonging  to  the  Spirit  may  live  and  grow 
in  him. 

Be  thou,  O  Lord,  a  gracious  Father  to  him,  and 
cause  him  to  take  great  delight  in  thee  and  thy 
service.  May  he  find  the  ways  of  religion  to  be 
ways  of  pleasantness,  and  its  paths  peace.  Let 
thy  Holy  Spirit  be  ever  with  him  to  guide  and 
govern  him  in  all  his  ways.  And  when  he  shall 
have  served  thee  in  his  generation,  may  he  be 
gathered  to  his  fathers  with  the  testimony  of  a 
good  conscience,  in  the  communion  of  the  church, 
in  the  confidence  of  a  certain  faith,  in  the  comfort 
of  a  reasonable,  religious,  and  holy  hope,  in  favor 
with  thee  our  God,  and  in  perfect  charity  with  the 
woi-ld.    All  which  we  ask.  &c. 

A     PRAYER   WITH   A   BAPTIZED     PERSON,     IN     RE- 
LATION   TO    THE    lord's     SUPPER. 

BLESSED  Lord,  who  art  always  ready  to  hear 
the  prayers  of  those  who  call  upon  thee,  be 
pleased  to  accept  the  petitions  which  we  now  ask 
of  thee  ;  and  grant  that  those  things  which  we  ask 
faithfully  may  be  obtained  effectually,  through  Je- 
sus Christ  our  Lord. 

We  thank  thee,  0  Lord,  that  thou  hast  not  only 
given  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  to  die  for  us,  but  to  be 
our  spiritual  food  and  sustenance  in  the  holy  sacra- 
ment of  his  body  and  blood.  May  it  please  thee, 
0  Lord,  to  prepare  the  heart  of  this  pei-son  for  a 
proper  participation  of  the  same.  Grant  unto  him 
a  truly  penitent  and  contrite  heart,  and  free  and 
full  forgiveness  of  all  his  sins.  Teach  him  to  con- 
sider the  dignity  of  that  holy  mystery,  and  so  to 


112  PRATERS. 

search  and  examine  his  conscience,  that  he  may 
come  holy  and  clean  to  this  sacred  feast,  and  be 
received  b}^  thee  as  a  Avorthy  partaker  thereof. 
And  when  he  partakes  of  the  sacred  emblems,  may 
he  so  partake  of  them  as  to  derive  the  full  benefit 
of  this  hallowed  ordinance  to  his  soul.  May  he 
dwell  in  Christ,  and  Christ  in  him.  And  may  his 
body,  which  was  given  for  him,  and  his  blood,  which 
was  shed  for  him,  preserve  his  body  and  soul  to 
life  everlasting. 

And  to  all  thy  people  grant  the  same  blessings. 
May  they  all  feel  and  know,  that,  though  many, 
they  are  but  one  body,  and  all  partakers  of  that 
one  bread  —  the  living  and  true  bread,  which  came 
down  from  heaven.  And  by  this  sacred  commu- 
nion on  earth,  may  they  all  be  made  more  meet  for 
thy  heavenly  mansions,  and  at  length  be  privileged 
to  sit  down  together  with  Abraham,  Isaac,  and 
Jacob  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven  —  in  that  blessed 
place  Avhere  faith  shall  be  lost  in  sight,  and  hope 
in  full  enjoyment,  and  love  forever  fill  their  souls, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Savior.    Amen. 

FOR   A   DYING     MAN,    PAST     HOPE    OF     RECOVERY. 

0  FATHER  of  mercies,  and  God  of  all  comfort, 
our  only  help  in  time  of  need,  and  to  whom 
alone  belong  the  issues  of  life  and  death,  we  come 
unto  thee  in  behalf  of  this  person,  whose  life  now 
appears  to  be  fast  drawing  to  a  close.  We  know. 
O  Lord,  that  with  thee  all  things  are  possible ;  that 
thou  canst  l)ring  back  from  the  mouth  of  the  grave 
and  quicken  the  very  dead ;  and  we  pray  thee, 
if  thou  seest  good,  thou  wilt  thus  do  in  regard 
to  this  person.  But,  0  God.  tli}-  will  be  done. 
Yet,    should    it    please    thee    that    this    sickness 


PRATERS.  113 

shall  be  his  last  sickness,  take  him  not  from  this 
world,  we  pray  thee,  till  he  is  prepared  for  a  better. 
Freely  and  fully  for^jive  him  all  his  sins,  for  Christ's 
sake.  Grant  that  he  may  be  interested  in  all  the 
benefits  of  his  salvation.  Bestow  upon  him  Avhatever 
thou  seest  necessary,  both  for  his  soul  and  body. 
And  when  his  dying  hour  shall  come,  leave  him 
not,  0  God,  but  stand  by  him,  and  guard  him  from 
all  his  spiritual  enemie's :  give  him  strength  and 
confidence  in  thee ;  keep  his  senses  entire,  and  his 
understanding  right ;  and  so  comfort  and  assist 
him,  that  he  may  pass  through  the  valley  of  the 
shadow  of  death  in  peace  and  safety,  and  find  it 
the  gate  of  glory,  and  an  entrance  into  thy  ever- 
lasting kingdom. 

Into  thy  hands,  0  merciful  Father,  we  commend 
his  soul  when  thou  shalt  see  fit  to  call  it  hence. 
Let  thy  holy  angels  then  convey  it  to  thy  presence, 
there  fo  be  united  to  the  blessed  company  of  the 
spirits  of  the  just  made  perfect,  for  his  sake  who 
died  and  rose  again,  and  is  alive  forevermoi'e,  and 
who  has  the  keys  of  death  and  the  grave.  To  thy 
mercy  in  that  blessed  Savior  of  the  world  we  ear- 
nestly commend  him,  beseeching  thee  to  be  all  in  all 
to  him,  and  infinitely  better  than  we  are  worthy  or 
able  to  ask  for  him ;  and  let  him  be  thine  in  life  and 
death  forevermore,  through  the  all-sufficient  medi- 
ation of  thy  dear  Son,  our  most  prevailing  Advo- 
cate and  Redeemer. 

FOR   ONE   DYING. 

0  FATHER  of  mercies  and  God  of  all  comfort, 
our  only  help  in  time  of  need,  we  come  unto 
thee  for  succor  in  behalf  of  this  thy  sick  (or  dying) 
servant.     As  his  outward  man  decayeth,  strengthen 
8 


114  PRATERS. 

him,  we  pray  thee,  in  the  inner  man.  In  all  the 
pains  of  his  body,  in  all  the  weakness  of  his  mind, 
do  thou,  0  Lord,  comfort  and  support  him.  We 
know,  0  Lord,  that  with  thee  nothins:  is  impossi- 
ble, and  that  even  yet  thou  canst  raise  him  up. 
And  we  pray  thee  that  thou  wilt  do  so,  if  thou  seest 
fit.  But,  forasmuch  as  in  all  appearance  the  time 
of  his  departure  is  at  hand,  we  pray  thee  to  do  for 
him  whatever  thou  seest  necessary  for  his  present 
and  eternal  good.  Of  thy  goodness,  be  pleased  to 
forgive  him  all  his  sins,  (and  seal  his  hope  of  glory 
with  the  refreshment  of  the  Holy  Spirit.)  Thou, 
O  Lord,  hast  opened  the  kingdom  of  heaven  to  all 
believers ;  let  the  everlasting  gates  be  opened  to 
him,  (and  may  the  angels,  who  rejoice  in  the  con 
version  of  a  sinner,  triumph  and  be  exalted  in  his 
deliverance  and  salvation.)  Take  him  not  from 
this  world  before  he  is  fitted  to  leave  it.  Finish 
all  that  is  wanting  in  the  work  of  thy  grace  upon  his 
heart,  and  supply  all  his  need,  according  to  thy 
riches  in  glory  by  Christ  Jesus.  Be  very  merciful 
to  him,  O  Lord,  and  receive  his  soul  into  thy  hands 
when  it  leaves  its  mortal  tenement.  Let  thy  holy 
angels  convey  it  to  the  paradise  of  God,  and  there 
may  it  be  joined  to  the  spirits  of  the  just  made 

Eerfect,  and  evermore  rejoice  with  them  in  that 
appiness  which  thou  hast  in  reserve  for  them  who 
love  and  fear  thee.  And  to  the  same  blessed  com- 
pany may  all  of  us  one  day  come,  for  the  sake  of 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

0  God,  whose  days  are  without  end,  and  whose 
mercies  cannot  be  numbered,  make  us,  at  all  times 
and  under  all  circumstances,  duly  sensible  of  the 
shortness  and  uncertainty  of  human  life,  and  of  the 
transitory  nature  of  all  earthly  things.  Thou  hast 
made,  as  it  were,  our  days  as  a  span  long,  and  our 


PRATERS.  115 

age  is  even  as  nothing  in  respect  to  thee  5  and 
verily,  every  man  living  is  altogether  vanity.  So 
teach  us  to  number  our  days,  that  we  may  apply 
our  hearts  to  wisdom.  Guide  and  direct  us  by  thy 
powerful  hand  as  we  pass  through  this  vale  of 
misery,  that  so  we  may  serve  thee  in  righteousness 
and  holiness  all  the  days  of  our  life :  that  when  our 
probation  shall  be  brought  to  a  close,  we  may  be 
gathered  in  peace  to  our  fathers,  having  the  testi- 
mony of  a  good  conscience,  the  witness  of  thy 
Spirit  that  we  are  thy  children,  in  the  communion 
of  the  saints,  in  the  confidence  of  a  living  faith, 
in  the  comfort  of  a  reasonable,  religious  hope,  in 
favor  with  thee  our  God,  and  in  perfect  charity 
with  the  world.  All  which  we  ask  for  the  sake  of 
Jeisus  Christ  our  Lord.    Amen. 

FOR  ONE  PAST  HOPE  OF  RECOVERY. 

OTHOU  help  of  Israel,  and  the  Savior  thereof; 
in  the  time  of  trouble,  when  all  other  hope  or 
help  fails,  to  thee  we  come  for  succor  and  consola- 
tion in  this  our  time  of  need.  Look  graciously, 
we  pray  thee,  upon  this  thy  dying  servant ;  and 
support,  comfort,  and  assist  him  in  this  his  extrem- 
ity. Stand  by  him,  we  pray  thee,  and  shield  him 
from  his  spiritual  enemies.  Vouchsafe  unto  him 
whatever  thou  seest  needful,  both  for  his  soul  and 
body.  Pardon  all  his  sins,  and  prepare  him  to 
appear  with  comfort  and  rejoicing  in  thy  blessed 
presence.  0,  make  his  departure  easy,  and  full  of 
peace  and  hope  ;  carry  him  safely  through  the  dark 
passage  upon  which  he  is  entering,  and  let  him  find 
it  the  gate  of  glory,  and  an  access  into  the  everlast- 
ing kingdom  and  joy  of  the  Lord.  Be  merciful 
unto  him,  0  Lord,  we  pray  thee,  and  when  he  is 


116  PRAYERS. 

numbered  among  the  dead,  let  him  also  be  num- 
bered among  the  blessed  of  the  Lord,  for  his  sake 
who  died  for  sinners,  and  rose  again,  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.    Amen. 


FOR   A    DYING    PERSON. 

OHOLY  and  most  merciful  Savior,  who  by  thy 
death  hast  overcome  death,  and  by  thy  passion 
taken  away  its  sting,  and  made  the  grave  the  gate 
of  everlasting  life,  have  mercy  upon  this  thy  ser- 
vant, whose  life  appears  to  be  drawing  to  a  close. 
Mercifully  forgive  him  all  his  sins,  and  make  him 
to  know  and  feel  that  thou  art  perfectly  at  peace 
with  him,  and  that  thou  wilt  receive  him  into  thy 
heavenly  kingdom.  Lift  upon  him,  O  Lord,  the 
light  of  thy  countenance,  and  cheer  his  heart  v/ith 
the  tokens  of  thy  love  and  favor.  And  may  thy 
holy  angels,  we  pray  thee,  watch  around  his  dying 
bed,  and  defend  him  from  his  spiritual  enemies. 
Yea,  do  thou  thyself,  0  God,  strengthen  and  sup- 
port him  in  all  his  agonies,  and  carry  him  safely 
through  his  last  illness.  O  God,  let  not  his  faith 
falter,  nor  his  hope  fail,  nor  his  soul  be  affrighted ; 
but  do  thou  preserve,  guard,  and  keep  him.  And 
when  his  soul  quits  his  body,  may  it  be  conveyed 
by  thy  holy  angels  in  safety  to  the  mansions  of  rest 
and  peace,  there  to  live  with  thee  in  life  everlast- 
ing.    All  which  we  ask,  &c. 

The  following  may  he  used  with  some  of  the  preceding  Prayers, 
when  there  appears  but  little  hope  of  recovery. 

OLOKD  God,  we  beseech  thee  to  succor  this  thy 
sick  servant,  now  languishing  under  great  weak- 
ness of  body.  For  Jesus  Christ's  sake,  pardon  all 
bis  sins,  perfect  his  repentance,  and  grant  that  ha 


PRAYKRS.  117 

may  come  to  his  great  change  without  guilt  and 
without  terror.  Be  very  merciful  to  him,  and  grant 
him  whatever  thou  seest  needful,  both  for  his  soul 
and  body.  Hear  his  prayers,  and  the  prayers  of 
all  his  friends  for  him ;  support  him  in  his  dying 
agonies,  strengthen  him  in  his  weaknesses,  deliver 
him  from  his  spiritual  adversaries,  and  grant  him 
all  that  he  needs  in  this  his  last  sickness.  0,  let 
not  his  faith  waver,  nor  his  hope  fail ;  but  may  he 
die  in  peace,  rest  in  hope,  and  have  his  portion 
with  patriarchs  and  prophets,  with  apostles  and 
martyrs,  and  with  all  thy  holy  saints,  in  the  bosom 
of  felicity,  and  in  thy  kingdom  forever.     Amen. 

The  following  may  be  added  either  separately  or  entire. 

LOED,  his  heart  and  his  strength  faileth ;  be 
thou  the  strength  of  his  heart,  and  his  portion 
forever. 

Grant,  Lord,  that  he  may  depart  in  peace ;  that 
he  may  see  thy  salvation,  and  that  death  ma}^  be 
swallowed  up  in  victory.  Lord  Jesus,  receive  his 
spirit  into  thy  kingdom  ;  this  day,  —  if  it  be  thy 
will  that  it  be  released,  —  this  day  may  he  be  with 
thee  in  paradise. 

Into  thy  hand,  O  merciful  Savior,  we  commend 
his  departing  spirit.  May  angels  carry  it  into  thy 
heavenly  presence,  there  to  be  joined  to  the  general 
assembly  of  the  just  made  perfect ;  and  to  the  same 
blessed  company  may  all  of  us  one  day  come,  for 
thy  mercies'  sake,  O  Lord  God. 

MAY  God  the  Father  who  hath  created  thee.  God 
the  Son  who  hath  redeemed  thee,  God  the  Holy 
Ghost  who  hath  sanctified  thee,  be  now  thy  defence, 
assist  thee  in  this  thy  last  trial,  and  take  thee  to 
everlasting  life. 


118  PRATERS. 

The  following  can  be  added  to  some  other  Prayer,  for  one  tofio 

is  very  sick, 

FINALLY,  we  pray  thee,  0  Lord,  to  prepare  him 
for  the  hour  of  his  departure.  Let  the  blood 
of  Jesus  wash  away  all  his  sins,  and  thy  grace  com- 
fort and  support  his  soul.  Let  thy  mercy  pardon 
and  save  him.  Let  the  merits  of  his  Savior  an- 
swer for  his  iniquities,  and  his  righteousness  cover 
all  his  sins.  Enable  him  to  realize  the  truth  of  thy 
promises  ;  fill  him  with  the  consolations  of  the  gos- 
pel ;  enliven  his  hope,  and  increase  his  charity.  And 
the  more  the  outward  man  decayeth,  and  the  world 
fadeth  from  his  sight,  strengthen  him  so  much  the 
more  continually  in  the  inner  man.  And  grant,  O 
God,  that  he  may  be  ready  for  his  departure,  when- 
ever thou  seest  fit ;  may  he  look  upon  the  grave  as 
the  gate  of  immortality,  and  the  'introduction  to 
that  holy,  happy,  unchangeable  state,  where  in  thy 
presence  is  fulness  of  joy,  and  where  at  thy  right 
hand  are  pleasures  forevermore.     Amen. 

PRAYER  TO  BE  USED  AFTER  THE  DEPARTURE 
OF  THE  SOUL. 

0  ALMIGHTY  and  everlasting  God,  seeing  that 
it  hath  pleased  thee  to  take  this  thy  servant  out 
of  the  miseries  of  this  sinful  world,  unto  thy  heav- 
enly kingdom,  let  thy  name,  0  Lord,  be  blessed,  both 
now  and  evermore.  Make  us,  we  pray  thee,  who 
remain,  mindful  of  our  mortality,  that  we  may  walk 
before  thee  in  righteousness  and  holiness  all  the 
days  of  our  life ;  that  when  the  time  of  our  depart- 
ure shall  come,  we  may  rest  in  thee,  as  our  hope  is 
this  thy  servant  doth ;  and  that  with  him,  and  all 
others  departed  in  the  truth  of  thy  holy  naine,  we 
may  rejoice  together  in  thy  everlasting  and  glorious 
kingdom,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.    Amen. 


PRATERS.  119 


A  PRATER  rOR  THE  FAMILT  OP  THE  DECEASED. 

0  MERCIFUL  God  and  heavenly  Father,  who 
hast  taught  us  in  thy  holy  Word,  that  thou  dost 
not  willingly  afflict  or  grieve  the  children  of  men, 
look  down  Avith  pity,  Ave  beseech  thee,  upon  the 
sorrows  of  this  afflicted  family.  In  thy  wisdom 
thou  hast  seen  fit  to  visit  them  with  trouble,  and 
to  bring  distress  upon  them.  Remember  them,  O 
Lord,  in  mercy  ;  sanctify  thy  fatherly  correction  to 
them ;  endue  their  souls  with  patience  under  their 
affliction,  and  with  resignation  to  thy  blessed  will ; 
comfort  them  with  a  sense  of  thy  goodness  ;  lift 
upon  them  the  light  of  thy  countenance,  and  give 
them  peace,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.    Amen. 

ANOTHER  PRATER  FOR  THE  FAMILT  OF  THE 
DECEASED. 

TO  thee,  O  God  of  all  mercy  and  consolation,  we 
commend  this  afflicted  family.  Thou  art  a 
Father  of  the  fatherless,  and  pleadest  the  cause  of 
the  widow.  0,  provide  for  and  defend  them  ;  leave 
them  not,  nor  forsake  them,  O  Lord  God  of  our 
salvation.  Enable  them  evermore  to  love  and 
serve  thee,  and  to  put  their  Avhole  trust  and  con- 
fidence in  thy  mercy.  Keep  them  from  the  pollu- 
tions of  the  world,  by  which  they  would  forfeit  thy 
favor.  Keep  them  in  thy  fear ;  preserve  them  from 
all  the  evils  and  temptations  of  this  life  ;  and  bring 
them  at  last  to  the  joys  and  blessedness  of  that 
which  is  to  come,  for  the  sake  of  thy  beloved  Son, 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


120  PRATERS. 


ON    THE    DEATH    OF   A    FRIEND. 

ALMIGHTY  and  most  merciful  God,  help  us 
now  by  thy  grace  to  bear  the  loss  of  our  friend, 
whom  thou  hast  now  taken  from  us,  with  patience 
and  resignation,  and  to  make  a  right  use  of  the 
affliction  which  thy  fatherly  hand  has  laid  upon  us. 
Thou  hast  given,  and  thou  hast  taken  away ;  blessed 
be  thy  holy  name.  May  we  not  sorrow  as  those 
without  hope ;  seeing  that  thou  hast  taught  us  in 
thy  Word,  that  those  who  sleep  in  Jesus  will  God 
raise  up  in  glory  at  the  last  day.  And,  O  God, 
may  the  death  of  our  friends  help  to  keep  us  al- 
ways mindful  of  our  own  mortality.  May  we  have 
grace  so  to  apply  our  hearts  to  wisdom  here,  that 
we  may  hereafter,  by  thy  mercy,  be  received  into  that 
everlasting  kingdom,  where  all  tears  shall  forever 
be  wiped  away  from  every  face,  and  where  the  days 
of  our  mourning  shall  be  ended.     All  which,  &c. 

AFTER    THE    DEATH    OF   A    FRIEND  OR   RELATIVE. 

FATHER  of  mercies  and  God  of  all  comfort, 
out  of  the  depths  of  grief  and  trouble  we  lift 
up  our  souls  to  thee.  Thou  hast  taken  from  us  one 
in  whom  we  were  comforted,  and  to  whom  we  were 
bound  by  the  most  aflectionate  ties.  While  we 
sorrow  at  the  painful  separation,  O  grant  that  no  re- 
pining thought  may  arise  in  our  minds,  and  no  com- 
plaining word  escape  from  our  lips.  May  we  make 
a  wise  improvement  of  thy  dealings,  and  be  per- 
suaded to  lay  up  the  treasure  of  our  aftections  in 
heaven,  where  there  shall  be  no  decay,  nor  sickness, 
nor  death,  nor  sin  to  invade,  and  no  sorrow  to  mo- 
lest. Give  us,  at  this  time,  the  consolations  of  re 
ligion. 


PRATERS.  121 

Thou  hast,  in  thine  infinite  wi&dom,  taken  what 
thy  love  at  first  bestowed  ;  and  now,  with  Christian 
submission,  may  we  be  able  to  say,  "  Thy  name  be 
blessed,  and  thy  will  be  done."  "  In  the  midst  of 
life  we  are  in  death."  O  Lord,  prepare  us  for  the 
great  change  of  worlds  ;  and  may  the  lamp  of  re- 
ligion be  within  us.  trimmed  and  burning,  and  may 
we  be  ready  whenever  our  summons  may  come. 

Bind  more  closely  together  the  surviving  mem- 
bers of  this  family,  (or  the  surviving  friends,)  and 
may  we  do  more  than  we  have  done  to  prepare 
each  other  for  the  duties  of  life,  and  for  the  day  of 
judgment.     All  which  we  ask,  &c. 

The  following  may  be  added. 

ALMIGHTY  God,  with  whom  do  live  the  spirits 
of  those  wh.0  depart  hence  in  the  Lord,  we 
adore  thy  majesty,  and  humbly  submit  to  thy  will 
in  all  the  dispensations  of  thy  pi'ovidence.  We 
magnify  thy  mercy,  that  it  hath  pleased  thee  to 
give  a  happy  deliverance  to  this  our  friend,  out  of 
the  troubles  and  miseries  of  this  sinful  world.  Thy 
counsels  are  secret,  and  thy  wisdom  is  infinite ; 
with  the  same  hand  thou  hast  crowned  him  and 
smitten  us.  Thou  hast  taken  him  into  the  regions 
of  felicity,  and  placed  him  among  the  saints  and 
angels,  and  left  us  to  mourn  for  our  sins  and  thy 
displeasure.  Lord,  turn  thy  chastisements,  we  pray 
thee,  into  the  means  of  our  spiritual  improvement. 
And  we  humbly  beseech  thee,  0  Lord,  to  unite  our 
supplications  with  the  earnest  desires  of  those  holy 
souls  who  pray,  and  wait,  and  long  for  thy  second 
coming.  Accomplish  thou  the  numbers  of  thy 
elect,  and  fill  up  the  mansions  of  heaven,  which 
are  prepared  for  all  those  who  love  the  coming  of 
the  Lord  Jesus,  that  we,  with  all  others  departed 


122  PRATERS. 

this  life  in  the  true  faith  of  thy  holy  name,  may 
have  our  perfect  consummation  and  bliss  in  thy 
everlasting  kingdom,  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord. 

ANOTHER,  THAT  MAT  BE  SAID  AFTER  THE  DEATH 
OF   A   PERSON. 

OMERCIEUL  God,  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Je- 
sus Christ,  who  is  the  first  fruits  of  the  resur- 
rection from  the  dead,  and  who,  by  entering  into 
^lory,  hath  opened  the  kingdom  of  heaven  to  all 
t)J;lievers ;  we  humbly  pray  thee  to  raise  us  from 
the  death  of  sin  to  the  life  of  righteousness,  that, 
being  partakers  of  the  death  of  Christ,  and  follow- 
ers of  his  holy  life,  we  may  be  partakers  of  his 
Spirit,  and  of  his  glorious  promises  ;  and  that,  when 
we  shall  depart  this  life,  we  may  rest  in  him,  as  our 
hope  is  that  this  our  brother  doth.  0,  suffer  us  not 
for  any  temptation  of  the  world,  or  any  snares  of 
the  devil,  or  any  pains  of  death,  to  fall  from  thee. 
Lord,  let  thy  Holy  Spirit  enable  us  with  his  grace 
to  fight  a  good  fight  with  perseverance,  to  finish 
our  course  with  holiness,  and  to  keep  the  faith  with 
constancy  to  the  end  ;  that  at  the  day  of  judgment 
we  may  stand  at  the  right  hand  of  thy  throne,  snd 
hear  the  joyful  sentence,  "  Come,  ye  blessed  chii- 
dren  of  my  Father,  receive  the  kingdom  prepared 
for  you  from  the  beginning  of  the  world."  Grant 
these  petitions,  &c. 

AFTER    THE    DEATH    OF   A   NEIGHBOR. 

ALMIGHTY  and  everlasting  God,  in  whose  sight 
a  thousand  years  are  but  as  yesterday,  and  as 
a  watch  in  the  night,  be  thou  the  support  of  thy 


PRAYERS.  123 

servants,  who  are  now  mourning  the  loss  of  a  rel- 
ative and  friend.  Sanctify,  we  beseech  thee,  this 
visitation  of  thy  providence.  May  they  experience 
the  consolations  which  religion  affords.  By  the 
frequent  instances  of  mortality  around  us,  may 
we  learn  to  consider  our  end,  and  the  measure  of 
our  days  what  it  is,  that  we  may  know  how  frail 
we  are.  Neighbor  after  neighbor  art  thou  calling 
away;  and  house  after  house  hath  witnessed  the 
footsteps  of  death.  Merciful  God,  give  us  grace  to 
follow  the  good  examples  of  those  who  have  de- 
parted this  life  in  thy  faith  and  fear,  that  at  length 
we  may  with  them  be  partakers  of  thy  heavenly 
kingdom.     Amen. 

AFTER     THE    DEATH    OF    A    CHILD,    OR   ON    OCCA- 
SION   OF   A    FUNERAL. 

A  ETERNAL  God,  our  only  help  in  time  of 
v/  need,  we  now  come  unto  thee  for  comfort  and 
support  under  this  afflictive  dispensation  of  thy 
providence.  In  thy  wisdom  thou  hast  seen  fit  to 
take  from  us  the  beloved  object  of  our  hearts. 
Thou  hast  destroyed  our  cherished  hopes,  and 
filled  our  hearts  with  mourning.  But,  O  Lord,  we 
would  not  murmur ;  we  would  endeavor  to  submit 
with  holy  resignation  to  thy  righteous  appoint- 
ment. Help  us  to  be  thus  resigned.  Console  our 
sorrows,  we  pray  thee,  and  projiortion  thy  grace  to 
our  necessities.  And  as  the  ties  which  bind  us  to 
earth  are  severed,  may  those  which  unite  us  to 
heaven  be  strengthened.  Affect  us,  O  God,  with  a 
just  conviction  of  the  vanity  of  human  life,  and 
the  uncertainty  of  earthly  comforts.  And  help  us 
to  look  forward  to  the  resurrection  of  the  just, 
when  those  who  have  been  separated  shall  meet  to 


124  PRATEKS. 

• 

part  no  more.  We  offer  these  prayers  in  the  name 
of  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord  and  Savior. 
Amen. 

ANOTHER,    UPON     THE     DEATH     OF    A    CHRISTIAN 
FRIEND. 

ALMIGHTY  God,  with  whom  do  live  the  spirits 
of  those  who  are  departed  in  the  true  faith  of 
thy  holy  name,  we  humbly  beseech  thee,  that  in 
the  loss  of  our  friends,  who  have  died  in  the  Lord, 
we  may  not  sorrow  as  those  who  have  no  hope. 
0,  may  we  realize  in  some  measure  the  blessed- 
ness of  their  change.  May  Ave  find  a  solace  and 
support  in  the  comfortable  assurance,  that  through 
thine  only-begotten-  Son  Jesus  Christ,  who  has 
overcome  death,  their  vile  bodies  shall  be  changed, 
and  be  made  like  unto  his  own  most  glorious  body; 
that,  through  the  grave  and  gate  of  death,  they, 
shall  pass  to  their  joyful  resurrection  :  that  tliey  rest 
from  their  labors,  and  their  works  do  follow  them  ; 
that,  delivered  from  the  burden  of  the  flesh,  they 
have  entered  into  the  felicity  of  thy  chosen  ;  and 
that,  received  into  paradise,  they  wait  with  the 
spirits  of  the  just  in  joyful  expectation  of  their 
perfect  consummation  and  bliss  in  thy  eternal  and 
everlasting  glory.  Most  thankfully,  therefore,  do 
we  praise  thee  for  their  gracious  lives  and  deaths 
here,  and  for  the  glorious  crowns  with  which  they 
are  recompensed  in  thy  kingdom  ;  beseeching  thee 
to  give  us  grace  so  to  follow  their  good  examples, 
that  we,  living  and  dying  like  them,  may  together 
with  them  be  partakers  of  thy  heavenly  kingdom, 
and  be  numbered  with  these  thy  holy  ones  in  glory 
everlasting.     Grant  these  petitions,  &c.    Amen. 


PRATERS.  125 


A.   PRAYER  FOR  A  FAMILY  OX  OCCASION  OF  THE 
DEATH  OF  ONE  OF  ITS  MEMBERS. 

It  may  be  used  also  before  the  funeral. 

MOST  merciful  Father,  who  hast  taught  us  in  thy 
Word  that  thou  dost  not  willingly  afflict  or 
grieve  the  children  of  men,  look  with  pity,  we 
pray  thee,  upon  the  sorrows  of  this  family,  in 
whose  behalV  we  now  pray.  Remember  them,  O 
Lord,  in  mercy,  and  comfort  and  relieve  them  ac- 
cording to  the  necessity  of  their  case.  Comfort 
their  hearts  with  a  sense  of  thy  goodness,  endue 
their  souls  with  patience  nnder  their  affliction,  and 
with  resignation  to  thy  blessed  will.  In  the  mul- 
titude of  the  sorrows  which  they  have  in  their 
hearts,  let  thy  comforts  refresh  their  souls.  O  Lord, 
suffer  them  not  to  sorrow  as  those  without  hope. 
Enable  them  to  raise  their  thoughts  above  this 
troul)lesome  world,  from  which  thy  servant  is  de- 
parted, to  the  rest  and  bliss  of  which  we  humbly 
hope  he  is  now  a  partaker  in  the  kingdom  of  heav- 
en. And  in  the  keen  sense  of  the  bereavement, 
and  the  gradual  dissolution  of  the  ties  which  bind 
them  to  life,  let  their  hearts  be  more  steadfastly 
f.xed  on  that  place  where  true  joys  are  alone  to  be 
found,  and  where  sorrow  and  sighing  are  done 
away.  May  they  have  grace  to  look  with  a  holy 
indilFerence  upon  the  pleasures  and  pursuits,  the  in- 
terests and  possessions,  of  this  world,  and  to  place 
their  affections  supremely  upon  things  above.  And 
may  this  evil  —  this  weight  of  sorrow  which  rests 
upon  them  —  be  turned  to  spiritual  good,  and  make 
them  to  know  and  feel  that  all  things  work  together 
for  good  to  them  who  love  thee. 

And  let  it  be  the  serious  care  of  us  all,  O  Lord, 


126  PRATERS. 

to  serve  and  please  thee.  Let  our  duty  be  our  em- 
ployment, thy  law  our  rule,  thy  providence  our  por- 
tion, and  thy  Spirit  our  helper  and  guide.  Give 
us  grace  to  live  as  those  who  are  born  to  die,  and 
whose  spirits  must  soon  depart  to  the  eternal  world. 
Grant  that  the  shortness  of  life  may  continually 
remind  us  of  its  importance,  and  the  uncertainty  of 
its  continuance  make  us  ever  ready  and  prepared 
for  its  end. 

(Assist  us,  O  Lord,  in  what  remains  of  the 
mournful  duties  to  which  we  are  now  called.  May 
the  comforts  of  thy  trutli  and  the  power  of  thy 
grace  be  with  us  while  we  now  commit,  with  be- 
coming solemnity,  these  earthly  remains  to  the 
ground,  looking  with  the  eye  of  faith  to  the  resur- 
rection of  the  dead,  and  the  life  of  the  world  to 
come.)     All  which  we  ask,  &c. 


One  or  more  of  the  following  may  be  used  in  connection  with 
the  above,  as  the  circumstances  of  the  case  may  be. 

FOR  THE  HUSBAND  OF  A  DECEASED  WIFE. 

I^XTEND,  we  beseech  thee,  thy  compassionate 
-^  goodness  to  the  surviving  companion  of  the  de- 
ceased. In  this  distressing  sorrow  may  thy  heav- 
enly grace  be  with  him,  and  so  sanctify,  0  righteous 
God,  this  severe  affliction,  that  what  seems  so  great 
a  loss  may  conduce  to  his  eternal  gain.  With  pious 
submission  to  thy  unerring  wisdom,  may  he  resign 
this  dear  friend  to  thy  superior  claim  ;  may  he 
know  and  feel  that  the  Lord  gave  what  he  taketh 
away ;  that  thou  art  just  and  good  in  all  thy  ways, 
and  that  thy  mercy  eudureth  forever. 


PRAYERS.  127 


FOR  THE  WIFE  OF  A  DECEASED  HUSBAND. 

OTHOU,  who  art  the  defender  of  the  widows^ 
sustain  thy  servant  in  her  sorrows,  and  help 
her  in  her  duties.  Enable  her  to  hear  this  bereave- 
ment with  resignation,  and  so  to  improve  it  to  her 
good,  as  to  find  that  even  in  judgment  there  is 
mercy.  Let  her  sad  state  of  widowhood  be  a  state 
of  repentance  and  holiness,  of  unfeigned  piety  and 
fervent  devotion.  Let  her  afflictions  wean  her  from 
the  world,  and  let  her  hope  and  her  joy,  her  desires 
and  her  conversation,  be  in  heaven. 


FOR   THE    CHILDREN. 

OTHOU,  who  art  the  Father  of  the  fatherless, 
look  graciously  upon  the  diildren  of  this  be- 
reaved family.  Spare  them  to  be  the  comfort  and 
the  solace  of  their  mother,  and  lit  and  dispose  her 
to  bring  them  up  in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of 
the  Lord.  Be  thou  their  God  and  their  Father, 
and  let  thy  providence  be  their  protection,  thy 
service  their  employment,  thy  angels  their  guards ; 
and  so  keep  them  by  thy  preventing  and  restrain- 
ing grace,  that  they  may  never  fall  into  sin,  but 
serve  thee  faithfully  here  in  their  generation,  and 
finally  be  made  partakers  of  thy  heavenly  kingdom. 
0  merciful  Father,  heal  all  the  breaches  of  this 
family  ;  preserve  and  increase  its  remaining  com- 
forts, and  send  down  upon  it  the  continual  dew  of 
thy  bless-iug.  Hear  us,  O  Lord,  for  the  sake  of  our 
Advocate  and  Redeemer,  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 


128  PRATERS. 


A   PRATER   THAT   BIAY    BE    SAID    EITHER   BEFORE 
OR   AFTER   A   FUNERAL. 

0  FATHER  of  mercies  and  God  of  all  comfort 
and  consolation,  who  alone  canst  comfort  those 
who  are  sorrowful,  vouchsafe  unto  this  family,  we 
pray  thee,  the  comfortable  consolations  of  thy  Holy 
Spirit.  Help  them  to  be  resigned  to  this  trying 
dispensation  of  thy  providence,  and  from  their 
hearts  to  say,  "  It  is  the  Lord  ;  let  him  do  what 
seemeth  to  him  good.  The  Lord  gave,  and  the 
Lord  hath  taken  away ;  blessed  be  the  name  of  the 
Lord." 

Sanctify  unto  them  this  solemn  visitation  of  thy 
providence.  In  this  instance  of  mortality,-  may  they 
see  how  frail  and  uncertain  their  own  condition  is. 
May  it  tend  to  wean  their  minds  from  this  world, 
and  to  elevate  them  to  a  better.  May  it  dispose 
them  to  set  their  afl'ections  on  things  above,  and 
not  on  things  of  the  world.  O,  may  this  dispen- 
sation (or  the  solemnities  of  this  clay)  never  be 
forgotten  by  tliem  ;  but  may  it  so  inttuence  their 
hearts,  as  to  induce  them  to  seek  that  wisdom 
which  will  lead  them  to  secure  their  interests  in  a 
better  world  l)efore  they  are  removed  from  this. 

Blessed  Jesus,  thou  hast  said,  •'  I  am  the  Resur- 
rection and  the  Life  :  he  that  bclievetli  in  me, 
though  he  were  dead,  yet  shall  he  live."'  Blessed 
be  thy  name  for  this  comfortable  assurance.  May 
this  glorious  discovery  of  the  resurrection  cheer 
and  sustain  their  hearts,  and  dispose  them  "  not  to 
sorrow  as  those  without  hope,"  in  the  confidence 
that  they  shall  again  see  those  with  whom,  in  this 
world,  they  lived  in  the  bonds  of  tender  affection 
and  love.     And  in  this  consoling  hope  may  they 


PKATERS.  129 

now  comfort  themselves,  ever  remembering  that 
those  ''  who  sleep  in  Jesus  will  God  bring  with 
him  again  in  glory,"  and  that  these  light  afflictions 
of  a  moment  shall  work  out  for  them  a  far  more 
exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of  glory.     Amen. 

ANOTHER,  TO  BE  USED  BEFORE  A  FUNERAL,  OR 
AFTER  THE  DECEASE  OF  A  PERSON. 

OGOD,  whose  days  are  without  end,  and  whose 
mercies  cannot  be  numbered,  make  us,  we  pray 
thee,  deeply  sensible  of  the  shortness  and  uncertain- 
ty of  human  life.  In  these  daily  instances  of  mor- 
tality, may  we  see  how  frail  and  uncertain  our  own 
condition  is.  Teach  us  so  to  number  our  days,  that 
we  may  apply  ourselves  to  wisdom  ;  that  so,  among 
the  sundry  and  manifold  changes  of  the  world,  our 
hearts  may  surely  there  be  fixed,  where  true  joys 
are  to  be  found,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

Sanctify  to  this  family,  O  God,  this  afflictive  dis- 
pensation of  thy  providence.  May  the  lively  sense 
of  the  bereavement  wliich  they  have  sustained  lead 
them  to  cleave  more  closely  to  thee,  their  God.  In 
all  their  troubles,  may  their  whole  trust  and  confi- 
dence be  placed  in  thy  mercy.  Awakened  by  the 
visitation  of  thy  providence  to  a  deep  sense  of  the 
uncertainty  and  vanity  of  human  life,  may  they 
resolve  to  seek  supremely  those  things  which  are 
above  ;  to  resign  themselves  and  all  their  concerns 
to  thy  disposal ;  and  in  the  fulness  of  resignation  to 
say.  with  holy  Job,  "  The  Lord  gave,  and  the  Lord 
hath  taken  away ;  blessed  be  the  name  of  the 
Lord." 

In  the  instance  of  mortality  before  us,  thou  dost 
teach  us,  0  God,  that  death  is  the  end  of  all  men. 
Grant  us,  who  are  living,  grace  to  lay  it  to  heart  5 
9 


130  PRAYERS. 

SO  to  lay  it  to  heart  as  to  live  above  the  world  ;  to 
seek  thy  favor,  to  study  thy  will,  to  observe  thy 
laws,  and  in  all  our  actions  to  aim  at  thy  glory,  at 
the  salvation  of  our  souls,  and  the  souls  of  our  fel- 
low-men. And  when  we  shall  he  called  to  go  the 
way  of  all  the  earth,  may  thy  presence  go  with  us, 
and  comfort  us,  and  lead  us  to  a  rest  eternal  in  the 
heavens. 

Spare  us,  most  merciful  Father,  till  we  have  tru- 
ly repented  of  our  sins,  and  have  made  our  peace 
with  thee.  And,  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake,  forgive  us 
all  our  past  sins,  and  quicken  us  unto  a  new  and  holy 
life ;  that;  being  partakers  of  the  death  of  thy  Son, 
we  may  also  be  partakers  of  his  resurrection,  —  of 
perfect  and  endless  bliss,  both  in  body  and  soul,  in 
thy  heavenly  kingdom.  And  may  the  good  exam- 
ples of  all  those  who  have  departed  this  life  in  the 
true  faith  of  thy  holy  name,  and  in  the  hope  of  their 
etei'iial  blessedness,  excite  us  to  press  with  the  more 
earnestness  towards  the  mark  for  the  prize  of  the 
high  calling  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus. 

Assist  us  mercifully,  O  Lord,  in  these  our  prayers 
and  supplications,  and  dispose  the  hearts  of  thy 
servants  towards  the  attainment  of  everlasting  sal- 
vation ;  that  among  all  the  changes  and  chances 
of  this  mortal  life,  they  may  ever  be  defended  by 
thy  most  gracious  and  ready  help,  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.    Ameu. 


Here  is  to  be  noted,  that  the  Office  ensuing'  is  not  to  be  used  for 
any  unbaptized  adults,  any  who  die  excommunicate,  or  who 
have  laid  violent  hands  upon  themselves. 

The  Minister,  meeting  the  Corpse  at  the  entrance  of  the  Church- 
yard, and  going  before  it,  either  into  the  Church  or  towards  the 
Grave,  shall  say,  or  sing,  — 

I  AM  the  resurrection  and  the  life,  saith  the  Lord : 
he  that  believeth  in  me,  though  he  were  dead,  yet 
shall  he  live  ;  and  whosoever  liveth  and  believeth 
in  me  shall  never  die.     aS'^  John  xi.  25,  26. 

I  KNOW  that  my  Redeemer  liveth,  and  that  he 
shall  stand  at  the  latter  day  upon  the  earth. 
And  though  after  my  skin  worms  destroy  this  body, 
yet  in  my  flesh  shall  I  see  God ;  Avhom  I  shall  see 
for  myself,  and  mine  eyes  shall  behold,  and  not  an 
other.     Job  xix.  25-27. 

¥E  brought  nothing  into  this  world,  and  it  is 
certain  we  can  carry  nothing  out.  The  Lord 
gave,  and  the  Lord  hath  taken  away ;  blessed  be 
the  Name  of  the  Lord.     1  Tim.  vi.  7  ;  Job  i.  2L 

.Sfter  they  are  come  into  the  Church  shall  be  said,  or  sung,  the 
following  .Anthem,  taken  from  the  39th  and  90th  Psaln-s  .•  — 

LORD,  let  me  know  my  end,  and  the  number  of 
my  days,  that  I  may  be  certifed  how  long  I 
have  to  live. 

Behold,  thou  hast  made  my  days  as  it  were  a 
span  long,  and  mine  age  is  even  as  nothing  in  re- 
spect of  thee ;  and  veiuly  every  man  living  is  alto- 
gether vanity. 

(i3i; 


132  BURIAL   OF    THE   DEAD. 

For  man  walkcth  in  a  vain  shadow,  and  disquiet- 
eth  himself  in  vain  ;  he  heapeth  up  riehes,  and  can- 
not tell  who  sliall  gather  them. 

And  now,  Lord,  what  is  my  hope  1  Truly  my 
hope  is  even  in  thee. 

Deliver  me  from  all  mine  otFences  ;  and  make 
me  not  a  rebuke  unto  the  foolish. 

When  thou  with  rebukes  dost  chasten  man  for 
sin,  thou  makest  his  beauty  to  consume  away,  like 
as  it  were  a  moth  fretting  a  garment :  every  man 
therefore  is  but  vanity. 

Hear  my  prayer,  O  Lord,  and  with  thine  ears 
consider  my  calling ;  hold  not  thy  peace  at  my 
tears ; 

For  I  am  a  stranger  with  thee,  and  a  sojourner, 
as  all  my  fathers  were. 

O,  spare  me  a  little,  that  I  may  recover  my 
strength,  before  I  go  hence,  and  be  no  more  seen. 

Lord,  thou  hast  been  our  refuge,  from  one  gen- 
eration to  another. 

Before  the  mountains  were  brought  forth,  or  ever 
the  eartli  and  the  world  were  made,  thou  art  God 
from  everlasting,  and  world  without  end. 

Thou  turnest  man  to  destruction  ;  again  thou 
sayest,  Come  again,  ye  children  of  men. 

For  a  thousand  years  in  thy  sight  are  but  as  yes- 
terday ;  seeing  that  is  past  as  a  watch  in  the  night. 

As  soon  as  thou  scattcrcst  them,  they  are  even  as 
a  sleep,  and  fade  away  suddenly  like  the  grass. 

In  the  morning  it  is  green,  and  groweth  up  ;  but 
in  the  evening  it  is  cut  down,  dried  up,  and 
withered. 

For  we  consume  away  in  thy  displeasure,  and 
ai'C  afraid  at  thy  wrathful  indignation. 

Thou  hast  set  our  misdeeds  before  thee,  and  our 
secret  sins  in  the  light  of  thy  countenance. 


BURIAL   OF   THE   DEAD  133 

Eor  when  thou  art  angry,  all  our  days  are  gone : 
we  bring  our  years  to  an  end.  as  it  were  a  tale  that 
is  told. 

The  days  of  our  age  are  threescore  years  and  ten ; 
and  though  men  be  so  strong  that  they  come  to 
fourscore  year«,  yet  is  their  strength  then  but  labor 
and  sorrow ;  so  soon  passeth  it  away,  and  we  are 
gone. 

So  teach  us  to  number  our  days,  that  we  may 
apply  our  hearts  unto  wisdom. 

Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and  to  the  Son,  and  to 
the  Holy  Ghost ; 

As  it  was  in  the  beginning,  is  now,  and  ever  shall 
be,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

Then  shall  follow  the  Lesson,  taken  out  of  the  fifteenth  Chapter 
of  the  First  Epistle  of  St.  Paul  to  the  Corinthians. 

1  Cor.  XV.  20. 

"VrOW  is  Christ  risen  from  the  dead,  and  become 
J-^  the  first  fruits  of  them  that  slept.  For  since  by 
man  came  death,  by  man  came  also  the  resurrec- 
tion of  the  dead.  For  as  in  Adam  all  die,  even  so 
in  Christ  shall  all  be  made  alive.  But  every  man 
in  his  own  order  :  Christ  the  first-fruits  ;  afterward 
they  that  are  Christ's,  at  his  coming.  Then  cometh 
the  end,  when  he  shall  have  delivered  up  the  king- 
dom to  God,  even  the  Father;  when  he  shall  have 
put  down  all  rule,  and  all  authority,  and  power. 
For  he  must  reign  till  he  hath  put  all  enemies  un- 
der his  feet.  The  last  enemy  that  shall  be  destroyed 
is  death.  For  he  hath  put  all  things  under  his  feet. 
But  when  he  saith,  all  things  are  put  under  him,  it 
is  manifest  tliat  he  is  excepted,  which  did  put  all 
things  under  him.  And  when  all  things  shall  be 
subdued  unto  him,  then  shall  the  Son  also  himself 
be  subject  unto  Him  that  put  all  things  under  him, 


134  BURIAL    OF    THE    DE  \D. 

that  God  ruay  be  all  in  all.  Else  what  shall  they 
do  which  are  baptized  for  the  dead,  if  the  dead  rise 
not  at  all?  Why  are  they  then  baptized  for  the 
dead '?  and  why  stand  we  in  jeopardy  every  hour  ? 
I  protest  by  your  rejoicing,  which  I  have  in  Christ 
Jesus  our  Lord,  I  die  daily.  If  after  the  manner 
of  men  I  have  fought  with  beasts  at  Ephesus,  what 
advantageth  it  me,  if  the  dead  rise  not  1  let  us  eat 
and  drink,  for  to-morrow  we  die.  Be  not  deceived : 
evil  communications  corrupt  good  manners.  Awake 
to  righteousness,  and  sin  not ;  for  some  have  not 
the  knowledge  of  God.  I  speak  this  to  your  shame. 
But  some  man  will  say,  How  are  the  dead  raised 
up  ?  and  with  what  body  do  they  come  ?  Thou  fool ! 
that  which  thou  sowest  is  not  quickened,  except  it 
die.  And  that  which  thou  sowest,  thou  sowest  not 
that  body  that  shall  be,  but  bare  grain ;  it  may  chance 
of  wheat,  or  of  some  other  grain.  But  God  giveth 
it  a  body  as  it  hath  pleased  him,  and  to  every  seed 
his  own  body.  All  flesh  is  not  the  same  flesh ;  but 
there  is  one  kind  of  flesh  of  men,  another  flesh  of 
beasts,  another  of  fishes,  and  another  of  birds. 
There  are  also  celestial  bodies,  and  bodies  terres- 
trial ;  but  the  glory  of  the  celestial  is  one,  and  the 
glory  of  the  terrestrial  is  another.  There  is  one 
glory  of  the  sun,  and  another  glory  of  the  moon, 
and  another  glory  of  the  stars  ;  for  one  star  diflfer- 
eth  from  another  star  in  glory.  So  also  is  the  res- 
urrection of  the  dead.  It  is  sown  in  corruption  ;  it 
is  raised  in  incorruption :  it  is  sown  in  dishonor ; 
it  is  raised  in  glory  :  it  is  sown  in  weakness  ;  it  is 
raised  in  power :  it  is  sown  a  natural  body  ;  it  is 
raised  a  spiritual  body.  There  is  a  natural  body, 
and  there  is  a  spiritual  body.  And  so  it  is  written, 
The  first  man  Adam  was  made  a  living  soul ;  the 
last  Adam  was  made  a  quickening  spirit.   Howbeit, 


BURIAL   OF    THE    DEAD.  135 

that  was  not  first  which  is  spiritual,  but  that  which 
is  natural ;  and  afterward  that  which  is  spiritual. 
The  first  man  is  of  the  earth,  earthy :  the  second 
man  is  the  Lord  from  heaven.  As  is  the  earthy, 
such  are  they  that  are  earthy :  and  as  is  the  heaven- 
ly, such  are  they  also  that  are  heavenly.  And  as 
we  have  boi'ne  the  image  of  the  earthy,  we  shall 
also  bear  the  image  of  the  heavenly.  Now  this  I 
say,  brethren,  that  flesh  and  blood  cannot  inherit 
the  kingdom  of  God  ;  neither  doth  corruption  in- 
herit incorruption.  Behold,  I  show  you  a  mystery: 
we  shall  not  all  sleep,  but  we  shall  all  be  changed, 
in  a  moment,  in  the  twinkling  of  an  eye,  at  the  last 
trump  :  for  the  trumpet  shall  sound,  and  the  dead 
shall  be  raised  incorruptible,  and  we  shall  be 
changed.  For  this  corruptible  must  put  on  incor- 
ruption, and  this  mortal  must  put  on  immortality. 
So  when  this  corruptible  shall  have  put  on  incor- 
ruption, and  this  mortal  shall  have  put  on  immor- 
tality, then  shall  be  brought  to  pass  the  saying  that 
is  written,  Death  is  swallowed  up  in  victory.  O 
death,  where  is  thy  sting  1  O  grave,  where  is  thy 
victory  ^  The  sting  of  death  is  sin  ;  and  the 
strength  of  sin  is  the  law.  But  thanks  be  to  God, 
which  giveth  us  the  victory  through  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.  Therefore,  my  beloved  brethren,  be  ye 
steadfast,  un movable,  always  abounding  in  the 
work  of  the  Lord,  forasmuch  as  ye  know  that  your 
labor  is  not  in  vain  in  the  Lord. 

When  they  come  to  the  Grave,  while  the  Corpse  is  made  ready 
to  be  laid  into  the  earth,  shall  be  sung,  or  said,  — 

MAN,  that  is  born  of  a  woman,  hath  but  a  short 
time  to  live,  and  is  full  of  misery.  He  cometh 
up,  and  is  cut  down,  like  a  flower ;  he  fleeth  as  it 
were  a  shadow,  and  never  continueth  in  one  stay. 


136  BURIAL   OF   THE   DEAD. 

In  the  midst  of  life  we  are  in  death :  of  whom 
may  wc  seek  for  succor,  but  of  thee,  0  Lord,  who 
for  our  sins  art  justly  displeased  ? 

Yet,  0  Lord  God  most  holy,  0  Lord  most 
mighty,  0  holy  and  most  merciful  Savior,  deliver 
us  not  into  the  bitter  pains  of  eternal  death. 

Thou  knowest.  Lord,  the  secrets  of  our  hearts ; 
shut  not  thy  merciful  ears  to  our  prayer  ;  but  spare 
us.  Lord  most  holy,  O  God  most  mi^^hty,  O  holy 
and  merciful  Savior,  thou  most  worthy  Jud<^e  eter- 
nal, suffer  us  not,  at  our  last  hour,  for  any  pains  of 
death,  to  fall  from  thee. 

Then,  while  the  earth  shall  be  cast  upon  the  Body  by  some  stand- 
ing by,  the  Minister  shall  say,  — 

FORASMUCH  as  it  hath  pleased  Almighty  God, 
in  his  wise  providence,  to  take  out  of  this  world 
the  soul  of  our  deceased  brother,  we  therefore  com- 
mit his  body  to  the  ground  ;  earth  to  earth,  ashes 
to  ashes,  dust  to  dust ;  looking  for  the  general 
resurrection  in  the  last  day,  and  the  life  of  the  v/orld 
to  come,  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ;  at  whose 
second  coming  in  glorious  majesty  to  judge  the 
world,  the  earth  and  the  sea  shall  give  up  their 
dead  ;  and  the  corruptible  bodies  of  those  who  sleep 
in  him  shall  be  changed,  and  made  like  unto  his 
own  glorious  body  ;  according  to  the  mighty  work- 
ing whereby  he  is  able  to  subdue  all  things  unto 
himself. 

Then  shall  be  said,  or  sung,  — 

I  HEARD  a  voice  from  heaven,  saying  unto  me, 
"Write,  From  henceforth  blessed  are  the  dead 
who  die  in  the  Lord:  even  so  saith  the  Spirit.-  for 
they  rest  from  their  labors.    Rev.  xiv.  13. 


BURIAL   OF    THE    DEAD.  137 

Then  the  Minister  shall  say  the  Lord's  Prayer 

OUR  Father,  who  art  in  heaven,  hallowed  be  thy 
name.  Thy  kingdom  come  ;  thy  will  be  done 
on  earth,  as  it  is  in  heaven.  Give  us  this  day  our 
daily  bread,  and  forgive  us  our  trespasses,  as  we 
forgive  those  who  trespass  against  us.  And  lead 
us  not  into  temptation ;  but  deliver  us  from  evil. 
Amen. 

Then  the  Minister  shall  say  one  or  both  of  the  following  Prayers, 
at  his  discretion. 

\  LMIGHTY  God,  with  whom  do  live  the  spirits 
-li-  of  those  who  depart  hence  in  the  Lord,  and  with 
whom  the  souls  of  the  faithful,  after  they  are  de- 
livered from  the  burden  of  the  flesh,  are  in  joy  and 
felicity,  we  give  thee  hearty  thanks  for  the  good 
examples  of  all  those  thy  servants,  who,  having 
finished  their  course  in  faith,  do  now  rest  from  their 
labors.  And  we  beseech  thee,  that  we,  with  all  those 
who  are  departed  in  the  true  faith  of  thy  holy 
Name,  may  have  our  perfect  consummation  and 
bliss,  both  in  body  and  soul,  in  thy  eternal  and 
everlasting  glory,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

A  MERCIFUL  God,  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Je- 
^  sus  Christ,  who  is  the  resuri'ection  and  the  life  ; 
in  whom  whosoever  believeth  shall  live,  though  he 
die :  and  whosoever  liveth,  and  believeth  in  him, 
shall  not  die  eternally ;  who  also  hath  taught  us, 
by  his  holy  apostle  Saint  Paul,  not  to  be  sorry,  as 
men  without  hope,  for  those  who  sleep  in  him  :  we 
humbly  beseech  thee,  0  Father,  to  raise  us  from  the 
death  of  sin  unto  the  life  of  righteousness ;  that, 
when  we  shall  depart  this  life,  we  may  rest  in  him  ; 
and  that,  at  the  general  resurrection  in  the  last  day, 


138  FUNERAL   HYMNS. 

we  may  he  found  acceptable  in  thy  sight ;  and  re- 
ceive that  blessing,  which  thy  well-beloved  Son 
shall  then  pronounce  to  all  who  love  and  fear  thee, 
saying,  Come,  ye  blessed  children  of  my  Father, 
receive  the  kingdom  prepared  for  you  from  the  be- 
ginning of  the  world.  Grant  this,  we  beseech  thee, 
O  merciful  Father,  through  Jesus  Christ,  our  Medi- 
ator and  Redeemer.     Amen. 

THE  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  love 
of  God,  and  the  fellowship  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
be  with  us  all  evermore.     Amen. 


Iiiiirriil  IptiB. 

From  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer. 

HYMN  124.     C.  M. 

rjEAE.  what  the  voice  from  heaven  declares 
■*■       To  those  in  Christ  who  die  ; 
Released  from  all  their  earthly  cares, 
They'll  reign  with  him  on  high. 

2  Then  why  lament  departed  friends, 

Or  shake  at  death's  alarms  ? 
Death's  but  the  servant  Jesus  sends 
To  call  us  to  his  arms. 

3  If  sin  be  pardoned,  we're  secure  ; 

Death  hath  no  sting  beside  ; 
The  law  gave  sin  its  strength  and  power, 
But  Christ  our  ransom  died. 


FUNERAL  HYMNS.  139 

4  The  graves  of  all  his  saints  he  blessed, 

When  in  the  grave  he  lay ; 
And  rising  thence,  their  hopes  he  raised 
To  everlasting  day. 

5  Then  joyfully,  while  life  we  have, 

To  Christ,  our  life,  we'll  sing, 
"  Where  is  thy  victory,  0  grave  1 
And  where,  0  death,  thy  sting  1 " 

HYMN  125.    C.  M. 

TirHEN  those  we  love  are  snatcned  away 
' '      By  death's  resistless  hand, 
Our  hearts  the  mournful  tribute  pay. 
That  friendship  must  demand. 

2  While  pity  prompts  the  rising  sigh. 

With  awful  power  impressed. 
May  this  dread  truth,  "  I,  too,  must  die," 
Sink  deep  in  every  breast. 

3  Let  this  vain  world  allure  no  more  ; 

Behold  the  opening  tomb ; 
It  bids  us  use  the  present  hour ; 
To-morrow  death  may  come. 

4  The  voice  of  this  instructive  scene 

May  every  heart  obey ; 


140  FUNERAL  HYMNS. 

Nor  be  the  faithful  warning  vain 
Which  calls  to  watch  and  pray. 

5  0,  let  us  to  that  Savior  fly 
Whose  arm  alone  can  save  ; 
Then  shall  our  hopes  ascend  on  high, 
And  triumph  o'er  the  grave. 

HYMN  126.    C.  M. 
DEATH   OF   A   TOUNG   PERSON. 

ITOW  short  the  race  our  friend  has  run, 
■*--'     Cut  down  in  all  his  bloom  : 
The  course  but  yesterday  begun, 
Now  finished  in  the  tomb. 

2  Thou  joyous  youth,  hence  learn  how  soon 

Thy  years  may  end  their  flight : 

Long,  long  before  life's  brilliant  noon 

May  come  death's  gloomy  night. 

3  To  serve  thy  God  no  longer  wait ; 

To-day  his  voice  regard  ; 
To-morrow,  mercy's  open  gate 
May  be  forever  barred. 

4  And  thus  the  Lord  reveals  his  grace, 

Thy  youthful  love  to  gain  : 
The  soul  that  early  seeks  ray  face 
Shall  never  seek  in  vain. 


FUNERAL   HYMNS.  141 


HYJm  127. 


DEATH   OP   AN   INFANT. 

A  S  the  sweet  flower  that  scents  the  morn, 
-^     But  withers  in  the  rising  day, 
Thus  lovely  was  this  infant's  dawn, 
Thus  swiftly  fled  its  life  away. 

2  It  died  ere  its  expanding  soul 

Had  ever  burned  with  wrong  desires, 
Had  ever  spurned  at  Heaven's  control, 
Or  ever  quenched  its  sacred  fii'es. 

3  It  died  to  sin,  it  died  to  cares, 

But  for  a  moment  felt  the  rod  ; 
O  mourner,  such,  the  Lord  declares, 
Such  are  the  children  of  our  God« 


Mn  tn  EBuMng  3 

Matter, 

149 

PART   SECOND. 
The  Path  of  Sorrow,  &c 

150 

Miscellaneous  Selections  for  Reading  to 

the  Sick 

and 
151 

To  the  Sorrowful 

151 

152 

....  153 

Psalms  to  be  read  before  offering  Prayer  . . 
A  supplicatory  Psalm 

....  155 
155 

Another 

156 

Another 

157 

Passages  of  Scripture  to  be  used  on  Occasion  of 

sad 
158 

No.  2 

159 

No.  3 

160 

No.  4 

....  160 

161 

No.  2 

162 

No.  3 

165 

No.  4 

167 

No.  5 

170 

No  6 

172 

Encouragement  of  those  who  are  actively  engaged 

in  the  Works  of  Charity  and  Benevolence 174-180 

(143) 

144  INDEX    TO    READING   BIATTER. 

To  the  dying  Sunday  School  Teacher 180 

Charity 182 

-Afflictions ia3 

Design  of  Afflictions 184 

On  the  Duties  of  the  Afflicted 185 

Examples  of  Prayer  under  Affliction 186 

Duty  of  Patience 187 

Duty  of  Resignation 187 

Examples  of  Resignaticyi 188 

Hope 188 

Reliance  on  the  divine  Promises  for  Support 188 

Examples  of  firm  Reliance  on  God  in  Afflictions 189 

Influence  of  Religion 190 

Design  of  God  in  afflicting  his  People 192 

Trials  necessary 192 

Efficacy  of  Prayer 193 

Duty  of  Christians ]  95 

Objects  of  Christian  Hope 195 

The  dying  Christian ' 196 

O  Death,  where  is  thy  Sling 197 

The  Christian's  Death  Bed 198 

Why  should  I  fear  to  die  ? 198 

Sinners  invited  to  Christ 199 

When  of  the  world  grown  tired 201 

Benefit  of  Afflictions 203 

Anecdote  related  by  Mr.  Whitefield 204 

Another,  in  Relation  to  the  purifying  of  Silver 205 

Submission 206 

Use  of  Affliction 207 

Consolations  of  Religion 209 

Compassion  and  Condescension  of  Christ 211 

The  doubting  Penitent 212 

Lines  suggested  by  a  sick  Christian's  State 213 

Sin  must  be  renounced , 215 

Efficacy  of  Christ's  Merits 215 


INDEX    TO    READING    MATTER.  145 

Christ  the  Light  of  Life 216 

The  Holy  Spirit  needed  daily 216 

God  a  God  of  Covenant 217  v 

God's  Mercy  to  Saints  » 217 

Christ's  Love 217 

Antinomian  Doctrines ' 218 

The  convinced  Sinner  believing  in  Christ 219 

Christ  unchangeable ^0 

Pardon 221 

On  the  Comfort  derived  from  the  Bible 223 

Christ  our  Confidence ^5 

Difierence  between  the  Righteous  and  the  Wicked 226 

Voltaire , 227 

Prayer 227 

Holiness 227 

Christians  should  be  happy 298 

Love  of  God  to  the  Christian 228 

The  divine  Goodness 229 

Death  of  the  Good 230 

The  Land  which  no  Mortal  may  know 231 

Assurance 232 

Strong  Faith  recommended 232 

God  the  chief  Source  of  Comfort 232 

Safety  of  the  Christian 233 

Fear  of  God 2.33 

Heaven 233 

A  Saint  the  Temple  of  God 234 

The  Body  the  only  Partition  between   God    and   the 

Christian 234 

Consequences  of  Vice 235 

Influence  of  Christian  Hope 237 

Vigilance  requisite 238 

Efficacy  of  Christ's  Merits 239 

Oxenstiem 239 

J.  Mason 241 

Salmasius 243 

10 


146  INDEX    TO   READING    MATTER. 

John  Locke 242 

James  Hervey 242 

Dr.  Watts 244 

Lines  on  the  Death  of  a  Child 245 

Happy  Condition  of  the  Believer  .....* 247 

Christians  should  rejoice 249 

Prayer 250 

Happy  Deaths 251 

Mrs.  H 254 

Power  of  Religion 257 

Benefits  of  a  Savior 261 

"  The  Resurrection  and  the  Life  " 262 

Death  not  dreaded  by  the  Christian 263 

Heaven  opened 264 

Recognition  in  Heaven 265 

Present  Enjoyment  and  future  Prospect  of  the  Christian.  266 

Death  of  an  aged  Believer 268 

Death  the  Path  to  Glory 269 

The  Dead 270 

Persons  seriously  ill  should  be  made  acquanited  with 

their  Condition 270 

Death  of  the  Righteous 271 

Advantages  of  the  Christian  in  his  dying  Hour 273 

Departed  Friends 275 

The  Land  of  the  Blest 276 

Death  of  an  only  Son 277 

The  Dead  in  Christ 278 

On  the  Loss  of  a  Child 279 

Death  of  an  Infant 280 

On  the  Loss  of  a  Wife 281 

Death  of  Friends 283 

Happiness  of  Heaven 284 

Heaven 286 

Eternity 287 

The  holy  City ;  290 

Appendix 291 


LIST   OP   HYMNS.  147 

afst  of   ?J^£mns   suitable  for  t^e  Sfcfe   antr 

When  gathering  clouds  around  I  view 160 

Lord,  unafflicted,  undismayed jgl 

'Tis  my  happiness  below 283 

God  moves  in  a  mysterious  way 13 

When  I  can  read  my  title  clear 147 

I  would  not  live  alway  :   I  ask  not  to  stay 187 

Peace,  troubled  soul,  whose  plaintive  moan 130 

O,  let  triumphant  faith  dispel 141 

Thus  speaks  the  High  and  Holy  One 207 

How  firm  a  foundation  ye  saiiits  of  the  Lord 144 

Jesus,  Savior  of  my  soul 243 

Lo,  what  a  cloud  of  witnesses 222 

Who  are  these  in  bright  array 201 

Be  still,  my  heart,  these  anxious  cares 157 

Vital  spark  of  heavenly  flame 291 

When  rising  from  the  bed  of  death 192 

O,  where  shall  rest  be  found 296 

How  short  the  race  our  friend  has  run 226 

When  those  we  love  are  snatched  away 225 

Hear  what  the  voice  from  heaven  declares 224 

As  the  sweet  flower  that  scents  the  morn 227 

When  rising  from  the  bed  of  death 292 

Hark  !  from  the  tombs  a  mournful  sound isg 

Great  God,  what  do  I  see  and  hear ]  1^4 

Lord,  with  glowing  heart  I'd  praise  thee *  150 

With  joy  shall  I  behold  the  day \[     28 

Sovereign  Ruler  of  the  skies H 

All-glorious  God,  what  hymns  of  praise 15 

O  for  a  closer  walk  with  God 282 

How  long  shall  earth's  alluring  toys "  297 


148  SELECT    READING. 

Father,  whate'er  of  earthly  bliss 156 

Guide  me,  O  thou  great  Jehovah 177 

There  is  a  land  of  pure  delight 199 

When  all  thy  mercies,  O  my  God 10 

Prayer  is  the  soul's  sincere  desire 134 

The  Spirit  in  our  hearts 131 

The  Lord  my  pasture  shall  prepare 9 

Rise,  my  soul,  and  stretch  thy  wings 145 


Select  €:][)ct})terat  for  a  sicit  jKloom. 

Hebrews  12. 

1  Peter  1. 
Romans  5,  6,  7,  and  8. 

2  Corinthians  5. 
1  Corinthians  15. 

St.  John  14,  15,  16,  and  17. 

Matthew  5  and  25. 

Psalms  6,  34,  38,  102,  51,  130,  103,  116,  and  145. 


^urt  iBrnul 


The  path  of  sorrow,  and  that  path  alone, 
Leads    to    the    land   where    sorrow    is    un- 
known ; 
No  traveller  e'er  reached  that  blest  abode 
Who  found   not  thorns   and  briers   in  the 

ROAD." 

(149) 


LINES   TO   THE   AFFLICTED. 


Sav  not  the  grave  to  all  is  gloom, 
In  punishment  for  sin  though  given  j 

For  Christ  hath  blessed  and  proved  the  tomb 
To  be  the  entering  gate  of  heaven. 

God's  chastenings,  all,  will  blessings  prove; 

The  pains,  the  fears,  the  pangs  here  given 
But  mark  the  glowing  beams  of  love, 

That  flow  from  radiant  crowns  in  heaven 

Who  suffers  most,  and  patient  proves; 

Who  breathes  in  tears  the  contrite  prayer ; 
The  more  feels  pain,  still  more  he  loves ; 

The  ■promised  crown  shall  br^hter  wear ;  — 

Assured  that  ail  affliction*  here 

Secures  a  greater  glory  there. 
Where  sorrow,  sigh,  and  grieving  tear 

Dim  not  the  joy  the  face  shall  wear. 

O,  fear  not  then  the  grave,  —  the  pall ; 

'Tis  but  the  door,  —  the  screening  veil, 
*Twixt  hope  and  heaven,  and  glories  all ; 

The  promised  joys  that  ne'er  will  falL 

•  2  Cor.  iv.  and  xviL 

(150) 


FOR  READING  TO  THE  SICK  AND  AFFLICTED. 

The  following  are  from  the  Scriptures. 
TO   THE    SORROWFUL. 

MY  son,  despise  not  the  chastening  of  the  Lord, 
neither  be  weary  of  his  correction ;  for  whom 
the  Lord  loveth  he  correcteth,  even  as  a  father  a 
son  in  whom  he  delighteth. 

If  he  cause  grief,  yet  will  he  have  compassion, 
according  to  the  multitude  of  his  tender  mercies. 
For  he  doth  not  willingly  afflict  or  grieve  the  chil 
dren  of  men,  but  doeth  it  only  for  their  good. 
For  the  Lord  is  gracious  and  merciful,  slow  to  an- 
ger and  of  great  kindness.  Like  as  a  father  pitieth 
his  children,  so  the  Lord  pitieth  them  that  fear  him. 
He  will  not  alway  chide,  neither  will  he  keep  his 
anger  forever.  For  he  knoweth  our  frame,  and  re- 
membereth  that  we  are  but  dust.  A  bruised  reed  will 
he  not  break,  and  smoking  flax  will  he  not  quench. 
He  dealeth  not  with  us  according  to  our  sins,  nor 
rewardeth  us  according  to  our  iniquities  ;  but  as 
the  heavens  are  higher  than  the  earth,  so  great  is 
his  goodness  towards  them  that  fear  him.  He  hath 
never  despised  nor  abhorred  the  affliction  of  the 
afflicted,  neither  hath  he  hid  his  face  from  him ; 
but  when  he  cried  unto  him  he  heard.  He  is  nigh 
unto  all  them  who  call  upon  him ;  to  all  who  call 
upon  him  in  truth,  that  those  who  mourn  may  be 
exalted  in  safety. 

(151) 


152  MISCELLANEOUS    SELECTIONS. 

Call  upon  me,  saith  the  Lord,  in  the  time  of 
trouble,  and  I  will  deliver  you,  and  you  shall  glo- 
rify me.  I  will  set  the  poor  in  safety,  and  be  a 
refuge  for  the  oppressed — a  refuge  in  the  time  of 
trouble.  When  the  poor  and  needy  seek  water, 
and  there  is  none,  and  their  tongue  faileth  for 
thirst,  I,  the  Lord,  will  hear  them.  I,  the  God  of 
Israel,  will  not  forsake  them.  I  will  bring  the 
blind  by  a  Avay  that  they  know  not ;  I  will  lead 
them  in  paths  which  they  have  not  known  ;  I  will 
make  darkness  light  before  them,  and  crooked 
things  straight.  These  things  will  I  do  for  them, 
and  will  not  forsake  them.  Yea,  the  mountains 
shall  depart  and  the  hills  be  removed,  but  my  kind- 
ness shall  not  depart  from  them  ;  neither  shall  the 
covenant  of  my  peace  be  removed,  saith  the  Lord, 
that  hath  mercy  upon  thee. 

Let  not  your  heart  then  be  troubled,  neither  let 
it  be  afraid  ;  for  if  he  hath  torn,  he  will  heal ;  if  he 
hath  smitten,  he  will  bind  you  up  ;  and  your  light 
affliction  which  is  but  for  a  moment,  shall  work  for 
you  a  far  more  exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of 
glory.  Yea,  trust  in  the  Lord,  and  fear  not ;  for 
the  Lord  Jehovah  will  be  your  strength  and  your 
song;  yea,  he  will  become  your  salvation.  And 
under  the  shadow  of  his  wings  shall  you  abide  in 
safety,  till  every  calamity  be  overpassed. 

INVITATIONS    TO   THE    SINNER. 

INCLINE  your  ear  and  come  unto  me,  saith  the 
Lord  ;  hear,  and  your  soul  shall  live  ;  and  I  will 
make  an  everlasting  covenant  with  you,  even  the 
sure  mcrc'ies  of  David.  I,  even  I,  am  he  that  blot- 
teth  out  thy  transgressions,  and  will  not  remember 
thy  sins.     I  will  blot  out  as  a  cloud   thy  transgres- 


MISCELLANEOUS    SELECTIONS.  153 

sions ;  return  unto  me,  for  I  have  redeemed  thee. 
As  I  live,  saith  the  Lord,  I  have  no  pleasure  in  the 
death  of  the  wicked,  but  that  the  wicked  turn  from 
his  way  and  live ;  turn  ye,  turn  ye  from  your 
wicked  ways  ;  why  will  ye  die  ?  Wash  you,  make 
you  clean  ;  put  away  the  evil  of  your  doings  ;  cease 
to  do  evil,  learn  to  do  well.  Have  I  any  pleasure 
at  all  that  the  wicked  should  die,  and  that  he  should 
not  turn  from  his  ways  and  live  1  Repent  ye.  there- 
fore ;  cast  away  all  your  transgressions  ;  for  I  have 
no  pleasure  in  your  death.  Though  your  sins  he 
as  scarlet,  they  shall  be  white  as  snow ;  though 
they  be  red  like  crimson,  they  shall  be  as  wool. 
For  my  thoughts  ai'e  not  your  thoughts,  neither  are 
my  ways  as  your  ways  :  for  as  the  heavens  are 
higher  than  the  earth,  so  are  my  ways  higher  than 
your  ways,  and  my  thoughts  than  your  thoughts. 

If,  therefore,  the  wicked  will  turn  from  all  his 
transgressions  that  he  hath  committed,  and  keep 
my  statutes,  and  do  that  which  is  lawful  and  right, 
he  shall  surely  live,  —  he  shall  not  die;  all  his 
transgressions  that  he  hath  committed,  tliey  shall 
not  be  mentioned  to  him ;  in  the  righteousness  he 
hath  done,  he  shall  live.  Because  he  considereth 
and  turneth  away  from  his  transgressions  that  he 
hath  committed,  he  shall  surely  live  ;  he  shall  not 
die.  Wherefore  return,  ye  backsliding  children, 
and  I  will  heal  your  backslidings,  and  will  make  a 
covenant  of  peace  with  you,  and  it  shall  be  aft  ever- 
lasting covenant. 

PROMISES    OP   PARDON   TO    THE    PENITENT. 

IF  we  say  that  we  have  no  sin,  we  deceive  our- 
selves, and  the  truth  is  not  in  us ;  but  if  we  con- 
fess our  sins,  God  is  faithful  and  just  to  forgive  us 


154  MISCELLANEOUS   SELECTIONS. 

our  sins,  and  to  cleanse  us  from  all  unrighteous- 
ness. 

Be  it  known  unto  you,  therefore,  that  through 
Christ  is  preached  unto  you  the  forgiveness  of  sins. 
Behold  the  Lamb  of  God,  that  taketh  away  the  sins 
of  the  world !  he  shall  save  his  people  from  their 
sins.  Surely  he  was  wounded  for  our  transgres- 
sions ;  he  was  bruised  for  our  iniquities  ;  the  chas- 
tisement of  our  peace  was  upon  him  ;  and  with  his 
stripes  we  are  healed.  The  Lord  hath  laid  upon 
him  the  iniquity  of  us  all.  He  was  made  a  sin- 
otl'ering  for  us,  that  we  might  be  made  the  right- 
eousness of  God  in  him. 

Now,  if  any  man  sin,  we  have  an  Advocate  with 
the  Father,  even  Jesus  Christ  the  righteous ;  and 
he  is  the  propitiation  for  our  sins,  and  not  for  ours 
only,  but  also  for  the  sins  of  the  whole  world.  It 
is  a  faithful  saying,  and  worthy  of  all  acceptation, 
that  Christ  Jesus  came  into  the  world  to  save  sin- 
ners. And  in  this  was  manifested  the  love  of  God 
towards  us,  in  that  he  sent  his  only-begotten  Son 
into  the  world,  that  we  might  live  through  him. 
Herein  is  love  :  not  that  we  loved  God,  but  that  he 
loved  us,  and  sent  his  Son  to  be  the  propitiation  for 
our  sins.  Now,  if,  when  we  were  enemies,  we  were 
reconciled  to  God  by  the  death  of  his  Son,  much 
more,  being  reconciled,  we  shall  be  saved  by  his  life. 
There  is,  tlierefore,  no  condemnation  to  them  who 
are  ivf  Christ ;  who  walk  not  after  the  flesh,  but 
after  the  Spirit.  For  God  hath  reconciled  the  world 
unto  himself  by  Christ, — not  imputing  their  tres- 
passes unto  them.  Wherefore,  unto  Him  that  loved 
us,  and  hath  washed  us  from  our  sins  in  his  own 
blood,  to  him  be  glory  and  dominion  forever  and 
ever.     Amen. 


MISCELLANEOUS    SELECTIONS.  155 


PSALMS  TO  BE  READ    BEFORE  OFFERING  PRATER. 

TO  the  Lord  our  God  belong  mercies  and  forgive- 
ness, though  we  have  rebelled  against  him. 

Neither  have  we  obeyed  the  voice  of  the  Lord 
our  God,  to  walk  in  his  laws  wbich  he  set  before  us. 

He  looketh  upon  men,  and  if  any  say,  "  I  have 
sinned  and  perverted  that  which  is  right,  and  it 
profiteth  me  not,  he  will  deliver  his  soul  from  go- 
ing down  into  the  pit,  and  his  life  shall  see  the 
light." 

For  Christ  once  suffered  for  sins,  the  just  for  the 
unjust,  that  he  might  bring  us  to  God  ;  being  put 
to  death  in  the  flesh,  but  quickened  by  the  Spirit ; 

Who  is  gone  into  heaven,  and  is  on  the  right 
hand  of  God  ;  angels,  and  authorities,  and  powers 
being  made  subject  to  him. 

Wherefore  he  is  able  to  save  them  to  the  utter- 
most that  come  unto  God  by  him,  seeing  he  ever 
liveth  to  nj.ake  intercession  for  them. 

For  we  have  not  an  high  priest  that  cannot  be 
touched  with  a  feeling  of  our  infirmitiesj  but  was 
in  all  points  tempted  like  as  we  are,  yet  without 
sin. 

Let  us  therefore  come  boldly  to  the  throne  of 
grace,  that  we  may  obtain  mercy,  and  find  grace  to 
help  in  time  of  need. 

A    SUPPLICATORY   PSALM. 

HEAR  our  crying,   O   God  ;  give  ear  unto  our 
prayers. 
From  the  ends  of  the  earth  will  w'e  call  upon 
thee,  when  our  hearts  are  in  heaviness. 

The  Lord  v/ill  be  a  defence  for  the  oppressed ; 
even  a  refuge  in  due  time  of  trouble. 


156  MISCELLANEOUS    SELECTIONS. 

And  they  that  know  thy  name  will  put  their 
trust  in  thee ;  for  thou,  Lord,  hast  never  failed 
them  that  seek  thee. 

Comfort  the  souls  of  thy  servants  ;  for  unto  thee, 
O  Lord,  do  we  lift  up  our  voice. 

For  thou.  Lord,  art  good  and  gracious,  and  of 
great  mercy  unto  all  them  that  call  upon  thee. 

Give  ear,  Lord,  to  our  prayers,  and  ponder  the 
voice  of  our  humble  desires. 

Remember  us,  O  Lord,  according  to  the  favor 
thou  bearest  unto  thy  people,  and  visit  us  with  thy 
salvation  ; 

That  we  may  see  the  felicity  of  thy  chosen,  and 
rejoice  in  the  gladness  of  thy  people,  and  give 
thanks  with  thine  inheritance. 

The  Lord  delivereth  the  souls  of  his  servants, 
and  all  they  that  put  their  trust  in  him  shall  not 
be  destitute. 

ANOTHER. 

IN  thee,  O  Lord,  have  I  put  my  trust ;  let  me 
never  be  put  to  confusion,  but  rid  me  and  de- 
liver me  in  thy  righteousness  ;  incline  thine  ear 
unto  me  and  save  me. 

Be  thou  ray  stronghold,  whereunto  I  may  always 
resort ;  thou  hast  promised  to  help  me,  for  thou  art 
my  house  of  defence  and  my  castle. 

Hear  my  prayers  then,  0  Lord,  and  consider  my 
desire  ;  hearken  unto  me  for  thy  truth  and  right- 
eousness' sake. 

And  enter  not  into  judgment  with  thy  servant; 
for  in  thy  sight  shall  no  man  living  be  justified. 

Call  to  remembrance,  O  Lord,  thy  tender  mer- 
cies and  tliy  loving  kindness,  which  have  been  ever 
of  old.  O,  remember  not  the  sins  and  offences  of 
my  youth  ;  but  according  to  thy  mercy,  think  upon 
me,  0  Lord,  according  to  thy  goodness. 


MISCELLANEOUS    SELECTIONS.  157 

Help  me,  O  God  of  ray  salvation,  for  the  glory 
of  thy  name  ;  let  thy  loving  kindness  and  thy  truth 
always  preserve  me.  Cast  me  not  away  in  the 
time  of  trouble;  forsake  me  not  when  my  strength 
faileth  me. 

Thou  art  my  Helper  and  my  Redeemer ;  make 
no  long  tarrying,  O  my  God. 

ANOTHER. 
From  the  39th  Psalm. 

LORD,  let  me  know  my  end  and  the  number  of 
my  days,  that  I  may  be  certified  how  long  I 
have  to  live. 

Behold,  thou  hast  made  our  days  as  it  were  a 
span  long,  and  mine  age  is  even  as  nothing  in  re- 
spect to  thee ;  and,  verily,  every  man  living  is  al 
together  vanity. 

For  man  walketh  in  a  vain  shadow,  and  dis- 
quieteth  himself  in  vain  ;  he  heapeth  up  riches,  and 
cannot  tell  who  shall  gather  them. 

And  now,  Lord,  what  is  my  hope  ?  truly,  my 
hope  is  even  in  thee.  Deliver  me  from  all  my  of- 
fences, and  make  me  not  a  rebuke  unto  the  foolish. 
I  became  dumb,  and  opened  not  my  mouth,  for  it 
was  thy  doing.  Take  thy  plague  aw\^v  from  me. 
I  am  even  consumed  by  means  of  thy  heavy  hand. 
When  thou  with  rebukes  dost  chasten  manVor  sin, 
thou  makest  his  beauty  to  consume  away,  like  as 
it  were  a  moth  fretting  a  garment;  every  man, 
therefore,  is  but  vanity. 

Hear  my  prayer,  0  Lord,  and  with  thine  ears 
consider  my  calling;  hold  not  thy  peace  at  my 
tears :  for  I  am  a  stranger  with  thee,  and  a  sojourner, 
as  all  my  fathers  were. 


158         PASSAGES  OF  SCRIPTURE. 

0,  spare   me  a   little,  that  I  may  recover  my 
strength  before  I  go  hence,  and  be  no  more  seen. 


PASSAGES    OF    SCRIPTURE    TO    BE    USED  ON  OCCA- 
SION   OF    SAD    AFFICTION. 

No.  1. 

AN  that  is  born  of  woman  is  of  few  days  and 
full  of  trouble.  He  cometh  forth  as  a  flower, 
and  is  cut  down  ;  he  fleeth  also  as  a  shadow,  and 
continucth  not.  His  days  are  determined;  the 
number  of  his  months  are  with  thee,  Lord ;  thou 
hast  appointed  his  bounds,  that  he  cannot  pass. 

As  a  cloud  is  consumed  and  vanisheth  away,  so 
he  that  gocth  down  to  the  grave  shall  come  up  no 
more.  He  shall  return  no  more  to  his  house ; 
neither  shall  his  place  know  him  any  more. 

I  have  said  to  corruption,  "  Thou  art  my  father ; 
and  to  the  worm.  Thou  art  my  mother  and  my  sis- 
ter." All  flesh  shall  perish  togethei",  and  man  shall 
turn  again  to  dust.  They  shall  lie  down  alike  in 
the  dust,  and  the  worms  shall  cover  them.  They 
shall  go  down  to  the  bars  of  the  pit,  and  rest  to- 
gether in  the  dust. 

There  the  wicked  cease  from  troubling,  and  there 
the  weary  be  at  rest.  There  the  prisoners  rest  to- 
gether ;  they  hear  not  the  voice  of  the  oppressor. 
The  small  and  great  are  there,  aud  the  servant  is 
free  from  his  master. 

But  thy  dead  men  shall  live  ;  together  with  my 
dead  body  shall  they  arise.  For  I  know  that  my 
Redeemer  liveth,  and  that  he  shall  stand  at  the 
latter  day  upon  the  earth.  And  though  after  my 
skin  worms  destroy  tliis  body,  yet  in  my  flesh  shall 
I  see  God,  vv'hom  I  shall  see  for  myself,  and  not 
another. 


PASSAGES    OF    SCRIPTURE.  159 

Blessed  are  the  dead  which  die  in  the  Lord  from 
henceforth.  Yea,  saith  the  Spirit,  that  they  may 
rest  from  their  labors. 

No.  2. 

LORD,  thou  hast  been  our  refuge  from  one  gen- 
eration to  another.  Before  the  mountains  were 
brought  forth,  or  ever  the  earth  and  the  world  were 
made,  thou  art  God  from  everlasting,  and  world 
without  end.  Thou  turnest  man  to  destruction  ; 
again  thou  sayest,  Come  again,  ye  children  of  men. 
Tor  a  thousand  years  in  thy  sight  are  but  as  yes- 
terday ;  seeing  that  it  is  past  as  a  watch  in  the 
night.  As  soon  as  thou  scatterest  them,  they  are 
even  as  a  sleep,  and  fade  away  suddenly  as  the 
grass.  In  the  morning  it  is  green,  and  groweth 
up ;  in  the  evening  it  is  cut  down,  and  dried  up,  and 
withered.  Eor  we  consume  away  in  thy  displeas- 
ure, and  are  afraid  at  thy  wrathful  indignation. 
Thou  hast  set  our  misdeeds  before  thee,  and  our 
secret  sins  in  the  light  of  thy  countenance.  For 
when  thou  art  angry,  all  our  days  are  gone ;  we 
bring  our  years  to  an  end,  as  it  were  a  tale  that  is 
told.  The  days  of  our  age  are  threescore  years  and 
ten ;  and  though  men  be  so  strong  that  they  come 
to  fourscore  years,  yet  is  their  strength  then  but 
labor  and  sorrow ;  so  soon  passeth  it  away,  and  we 
are  gone.  But  who  regardeth  the  power  of  thy 
wrath  1  for  even  thereafter  as  a  man  feareth,  so  is 
thy  displeasure.  So  teach  us  to  number  our  days, 
that  we  may  apply  our  hearts  to  wisdom. 


160  PASSAGES   OF   SCRIPTURE. 

No.  3. 

SHALL  we  receive  good  at  the  hand  of  the  Lord, 
and  shall  we  not  receive  evil  ?  The  Lord  gave, 
and  the  Lord  hath  taken  away;  blessed  be  the 
name  of  the  Lord. 

I  would  not  have  you  ignorant,  brethren,  con- 
cerning them  which  are  asleep,  that  ye  sorrow  not 
as  others  which  have  no  hope.  For  the  trumpet 
shall  sound,  and  the  dead  shall  be  raised  incorrupt- 
ible, and  we  shall  be  changed.  For  this  corrupt- 
ible must  put  on  incorruption,  and  this  mortal 
must  put  on  immoi'tality.  So,  when  this  corrupt- 
ible shall  have  put  on  incorruption,  and  this  mortal 
shall  have  put  on  immortality,  then  shall  be  brought 
to  pass  the  saying  that  is  written,  "  Death  is  swal- 
lowed up  in  victory." 

O  death,  where  is  thy  sting  1  0  grave,  where  is 
thy  victory  1  The  sting  of  death  is  sin,  and  the 
streiigth  of  sin  is  the  law ;  but  thanks  be  to  God 
who  giveth  us  the  victory,*  thi'ough  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ. 

Therefore,  my  beloved  brethren,  be  ye  steadfast, 
immovable,  always  abounding  in  the  work  of  the 
Lord  ;  forasmuch  as  ye  know  that  your  labor  is  not 
in  vain  in  the  Lord. 

No.  4. 

I  WOULD  not  have  you  ignorant  brethren  con- 
cerning them  which  are  asleep,  that  ye  sorrow 
not  even  as  others  which  have  not  hope.  For  if 
we  believe  that  Jesus  died  and  rose  again,  even  so 
them  also  which  sleep  in  Jesus  will  God  bring  with 
him.  For  the  Lord  himself  shall  descend,  from 
heaven  with  the  voice  of  the  archangel,  and  with 


ADDRESSES.  161 

the  trump  of  God,  and  the  dead  in  Christ  shall 
rise  first.  Then  we,  which  are  alive  and  remain, 
shall  be  caught  up  together  with  them  in  the  clouds 
to  meet  the  Lord  in  the  air,  and  so  shall  we  ever 
be  with  the  Lord. 

For  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  shall  change  our  vile 
body,  that  it  may  be  fashioned  like  unto  his  glo- 
rious body,  according  to  the  working  whereby  he 
is  able  to  subdue  all  things  unto  himself. 

Wherefore,  beloved,  comfort  yourselves  with 
these  words. 


No.  1. 

MY  Friend  :  Laid  as  you  now  are  on  a  sick 
bed,  it  is  some  consolation  to  know  that  your 
illness  has  not  happened  by  chance ;  but  that  it  is 
the  appointment  of  God,  —  of  a  wise  and  good 
God,  —  and  that  he  has  ordered  it  for  wise  and 
salutary  purposes.  He  takes  no  pleasure  in  afflict- 
ing any  of  his  creatures,  but,  on  the  contrary,  de- 
lights in  their  happiness  ;  and  were  it  not  that  they 
stood  in  need  of  discipline  of  the  kind,  he  would 
not  afflict  them  as  he  does.  "  God,"  says  the  apos- 
tle, "  does  not  willingly  afflict  or  grieve  the  children 
of  men  ;  but  doeth  it  only  for  their  good,  that  they 
may  be  partakers  of  his  holiness."  He  treats  them 
as  a  wise  and  kind  parent  treats  his  children,  and 
withholds  not  correction  from  them  when  they 
stand  in  need  of  it.  "  Whom  the  Lord  loveth,  he 
correcteth ;  even  as  a  father  a  child  in  whom  he 
delighteth."  His  corrections  are  medicinal,  and 
11 


162  ADDRESSES. 

designed  for  wholesome  purposes.  For  though 
many  are  the  afflictions  of  his  children,  they  have 
nothing  penal  in  them  ;  hut  are  merely  like  the  fire 
to  the  gold,  and  pruning  to  the  vine,  and  medicine 
to  the  patient,  and  correction  to  the  child.  By 
means  of  them  he  would  qualify  his  people,  not 
only  for  the  more  comfortable  enjoyment  of  the 
present  life,  but  for  the  fruition  of  that  eternal  state 
of  happiness  which  he  has  in  reserve  for  them  here- 
after. "  Our  light  afflictions,"  saith  the  apostle, 
"  work  for  us  a  far  more  exceeding  and  eternal 
weight  of  glory."  Be  resigned,  therefore,  to  the 
will  of  God  ;  seeing  he  doeth  all  things  wisely, 
and  that  he  hath  promised  "  to  make  all  things 
work  together  for  our  good."  And  be  concerned 
to  have  this  present  sickness  of  your  body  sanc- 
tified to  your  spiritual  benefit,  and  to  derive  from 
it  that  improvement  which  it  is  obviously  intended 
to  promote.  By  so  doing,  you  will  have  reason  to 
be  thankful  for  it.  and  like  the  Psalmist  to  say,  "  It 
is  good  for  me  that  I  have  been  afflicted."  (See 
161st  Hymn.) 

No.  2. 

MY  Friend :  Afflictive  dispensations,  however 
painful  to  the  body  and  distressing  to  the 
mind,  are  gracious  visitations  designed  of  God  to 
promote  our  spiritual  benefit.  They  afford  oppor- 
tunities for  solemn  thought,  holy  meditation,  se- 
rious inquiry,  important  reflection,  and  faithful 
self-examination.  By  them  we  are  reminded  of 
our  dependence  upon  God  ;  that  life  and  health  are 
at  his  disposal,  and  that  it  is  an  easy  thing  for  him 
to  bring  us  down  to  the  dust  of  death.  When 
rightly  exercised,  the  mind  under  their  influence  is 
bumbled,  the  heart  is   softened,  the  will  brought 


ADDRESSES.  163 

into  submission,  and  a  teachableness  of  disposition 
produced.  They  call  into  exercise,  faith,  patience, 
submission,  prayer,  and  every  Christian  grace  and 
virtue  ;  and  not  only  make  us  better  acquainted 
with  God  and  the  preciousness  of  his  promises,  but 
also  serve  to  make  us  better  acquainted  with  our- 
selves, to  wean  us  fi-om  the  world  and  from  sin, 
and  to  make  us  humble  and  holy.  By  them  num- 
bers have  been  brought  to  repent  of  their  sinful 
conduct,  and  to  live  sober,  righteous,  and  holy  lives. 
Blessed  is  the  man,  says  David,  whom  the  Lord 
correcteth.  And  he  himself  hath  left  it  on  record, 
"  that  it  was  good  for  him  that  he  had  been  afflict- 
ed." And  thousands  have  since  expressed  the 
same  sentiment.  As  evidences  of  their  salutary 
benefit,  many  instances  might  be  adduced.  Three 
only  will  here  be  mentioned. 

A  young  man,  who  had  been  long  confined  with 
a  diseased  limb,  and  was  near  his  death,  was  at- 
tended by  a  friend,  who  requested  that  the  wound 
might  be  uncovered.  When  this  was  done, 
"  There,"  said  he.  "  there  it  is,  and  a  most  precious 
treasure  it  has  been  to  me  ;  it  saved  me  from  the 
folly  and  vanity  of  youth ;  it  made  me  cleave  to 
God  as  my  only  portion,  and  to  eternal  glory  as 
my  only  hope  ;  and  I  think  it  has  now  brought  me 
very  near  my  Father's  house." 

When  a  distinguished  individual  lay  sick,  and 
his  friends  asked  him  how  he  did,  he  pointed  to 
his  sores  and  ulcers,  and  said,  '•  These  are  God's 
gems  and  jewels,  wherewith  he  decketh  his  best 
friends ;  and  to  me  they  are  more  precious  than  all 
the  gold  and  silver  in  the  world." 

It  is  said  of  Dr.  Watts,  that  from  his  most  early 
infancy  to  his  dying  day,  he  scarcely  ever  knew 
what  health  was ;  yet  we  are  told  that  he  looked 


164  ADDRESSES. 

upon  this  affliction  as  the  greatest  blessing  of  hiB 
life.  And  the  reason  he  assigned  for  it  was,  "  that 
being  naturally  of  a  warm'  temper  and  ambitious 
disposition,  these  visitations  weaned  his  affections 
from  the  world,  and  brought  every  passion  in  sub- 
jection to  the  divine  will." 

Thus  have  many  had  reason  to  bless  God  for 
atflictions,  as  being  the  instruments  in  his  hand  of 
promoting  the  welfare  of  their  immortal  souls. 

Be  not  disquieted,  then,  by  your  present  afflic 
tion  ;  but  endeavor  to  bear  it  calmly  and  patient- 
ly, and  to  derive  from  it  that  spiritual  improvement 
which  it  is  designed  to  promote.  Pray  earnestly 
to  God  to  sanctify  it  to  your  good,  and  to  make  it 
the  means  of  purifying  your  heart,  and  of  qualify- 
ing you  for  the  enjoyment  of  his  presence  here- 
after. Recollect,  that  it  is  in  this  way  that  he  pre- 
pares his  people  for  his  presence,  and  that  it  is 
through  much  tribulation  that  they  enter  into  his 
kingdom. 

"  The  path  of  sorrow,  and  that  path  alone. 
Leads  to  the  laud  where  sorrow  is  unknown  ; 
No  traveller  e'er  reached  that  blest  abode 
Who  found  not  thorns  and  briers  in  the  road." 

Better  is  it  to  suffer  a  little  while  now,  than  to 
be  left  to  ourselves  and  condemned  with  the  world 
hereafter.  And  for  your  comfort  bear  in  mind,  that 
you  shall  "  not  be  afflicted  above  your  strength," 
nor  any  longer  than  God  sees  good  for  you.  For 
though  now  in  the  furnace  of  affliction,  the  Savior 
is  not  absent  from  you.  He  sees  you  ;  and  not  only 
so,  but  sits  by  you,  and  tempers  the  flame.  His 
wisdom  will  not  let  it  be  too  cool.  His  love  will 
not  allow  it  to  exceed  the  necessary  degree  of 
warmth.    As  soon  as  you  are  purified  —  as  soon  as 


ADDRESSES.  165 

the  end  is  accomplished  for  which  this  affliction 
was  designed  —  he  will  then  remove  it;  he  will 
then  take  you  out  of  the  furnace.  Strive,  then,  so 
to  act,  that  you  may  come  forth  purified  and  re- 
fined like  as'  gold  and  silver,  reflecting  the  image 
of  your  Savior  in  your  renewed  character ;  and 
then  will  this  your  light  affliction  of  a  moment 
work  for  you  an  exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of 
glory. 

"  In  the  furnace  God  may  prove  thee, 

Thence  to  bring  thee  forth  more  bright ; 
But  can  never  cease  to  love  thee ; 
Thou  art  precious  in  his  sight. 
God  is  with  thee  — 

God,  thine  everlasting  light." 

No.  3. 

MY  Friend :  God  has  now  laid  you  upon  this  bed 
of  sickness  that  you  might  be  withdrawn  from 
the  bustle  of  the  world,  and  have  an  opportunity 
of  reflecting  on  your  spiritual  condition,  and  of 
attending  to  the  things  that  concern  your  eternal 
interests.  It  becomes  you,  then,  to  improve  this 
opportunity,  and  to  derive  from  it  the  benefit  it  is 
so  well  calculated  to  eff'ect.  Ask  yourself,  there- 
fore, if  you  are  prepared  for  the  other  world,  —  if 
you  are  prepared  to  stand  in  the  presence  of  your 
Judge.  Have  you  faithfully  endeavored  to  im- 
prove all  the  blessed  privileges  which  God  has 
bestowed  upon  you  for  this  end  1  Have  you  made 
it  your  endeavor  to  live  in  obedience  to  his  will, 
and  to  glorify  him  in  all  your  conduct  ?  Have 
you  loved  him  with  all  your  heart,  and  soul,  and 
strength,  and  endeavored  to  please  him  in  all 
things  1     Have  you  never  knowingly  and  wilfully 


166  ADDRESSES. 

committed  sin  1  Permit  conscience  to  speak  while 
you  endeavor  to  recollect  all  the  thoughts  that 
have  occupied  your  mind ;  all  the  words  you  have 
uttered  ;  all  the  actions  you  have  done.  Do  they 
all  correspond  with  the  law  of  God  1  What  does 
conscience  reply  to  this  investigation  ?  Will  it  not 
pass  sentence  against  you "?  Reflect  for  a  moment. 
To  whom  has  your  youth  been  devoted  ?  Was  it 
not  to  the  world  ?  And  where  is  the  good  you 
have  done  ?  where  the  glory  you  have  given  to 
God  ?  O  my  friend,  your  conscience  will  urge 
you  to  confess,  that  you  have  often  sinned  against 
God  by  transgressing  his  laws.  If  so,  then  ac- 
knowledge the  conviction  of  your  conscience. 
Consider  that  you  have  to  do  with  that  God  who 
can  see  the  innermost  recesses  of  the  soul ;  be- 
fore whom  all  things  are  naked  and  open,  and  from 
whom  nothing  can  be  concealed ;  who  has  heard 
all  the  sinful  words  you  have  spoken;  who  knows 
all  the  secret,  evil  desires  you  have  cherished  in 
your  heart ;  who  is  acquainted  with  all  the  ways 
ij!  which  you  have  walked  ;  who  has  observed  all 
the  actions  you  have  done  through  life.  Yes,  my 
friend,  confess  yourself  a  sinner,  —  a  poor,  miser- 
able sinner,  —  and  let  tears  of  sorrow  accompany 
the  grateful  emotions  of  your  heart,  that  God,  who 
might  have  justly  cut  you  off  in  your  sins,  has 
spared  you  till  the  present  moment.  Be  thankful 
that  now  —  even  now — he  is  making  overtures  of 
mercy.  Look  upon  this  affliction  as  an  evidence 
of  the  divine  goodness,  intended  to  secure  your 
salvation.  Humble  yourself  before  God,  and  pray, 
with  fervor  and  sincerity  of  soul,  that  he  will  show 
you  the  sinfulness  of  your  heart,  and  that,  in  view 
of  the  same,  you  may  be  able  to  exercise  that-  godly 
sorrow  which  worketh  repentance  unto  salvation. 


ADDRESSES.  167 

Pray,  too,  for  a  saving  interest  in  the  blood  of  Je- 
sus, that  so  your  sins  may  be  pardoned  and  your 
guilt  removed;  that  you  may  be  clothed  with 
his  righteousness,  and  be  reconciled  to  God.  O, 
yield  obedience  to  the  influence  of  his  Spirit,  that 
God  may  accomplish  his  benevolent  purpose  with 
respect  to  you.  Be  astonished  at  the  boundless 
love  of  God,  and  at  the  infinite  compassion  of  your. 
Eedeemer,  and  behold  in  that  love  your  only  ground 
of  hope,  that  God  has  no  pleasure  in  your  death  ; 
and  in  tftis  compassion,  that  Christ  has  purchased 
grace  and  salvation  for  you.  Avail  yourself  of 
your  precious  privilege  while  you  have  an  oppor- 
tunity to  do  so,  and  betake  yourself  to  the  refuge 
provided  for  you  in  the  gospel.  Delay  not  to  do 
so  one  moment  longer.  Follow  this  advice,  which 
is  given  with  no  other  view  than  to  promote  your 
everlasting  welfare.  Then  will  your  soul  enjoy 
rest ;  yea,  a  peace  Avhich  passeth  all  understanding. 
While  you  live,  you  will  live  happy ;  and  when  you 
die,  you  will  depart  with  a  comfortable  hope  of  a 
blissful  immortality. 

No.  4. 

MY  Friend  :  As  it  hath  pleased  the  Lord  to  call 
you  to  repentance  by  this  present  sickness,  it 
becomes  you  to  take  this  dispensation  into  serious 
consideration.  I  know  that  you  do  not  deny  that 
you  are  a  sinner.  I  know  that  you  are  not  indif- 
ferent to  the  voice  of  your  conscience,  while  it  is 
urging  you  to  this  acknowledgment.  I  know  that 
you  feel  distressed  in  view  of  your  sins  ;  and  that 
you  are  disposed  to  fly  for  refuge  to  the  grace  of 
God  and  the  merits  of  Christ.  But  whence  comes 
this  anguish  of  your  soul  7    From  fear  of  death  'f 


168  ADDRESSES. 

Suppose  your  health  had  been  preserved;  would 
you  have  thought  of  your  sins  and  been  sorrowful? 
Ah,  my  friend,  if  your  present  sickness  and  the 
apprehension  of  death  be  the  cause  of  your  sorrow, 
your  repentance  is  not  genuine.  The  true  cause 
of  your  grief  should  be  founded  in  having  offended 
the  God  of  love,  and  in  having  slighted  Christ's  pre- 
cious redemption.  Therefore  examine  the  cause 
of  your  grief,  that  you  be  not  deceived.  I  know 
that  Christ  and  his  merits  are  valuable  in  your  esti- 
mation ;  but  does  the  love  of  Jesus  constrain  you 
to  hate  sin,  to  renounce  every  evil  practice,  and  to 
devote  your  life  to  his  service  1  Does  the  grace  of 
God  teach  you  practically  to  deny  all  ungodliness 
and  worldly  lusts  1  and  is  it  your  intention  to  live 
soberly,  righteously,  and  godly  in  the  present 
world  ■?  My  dear  friend,  answer  these  questions 
as  in  the  presence  of  God.  We  know  from  sad 
experience  that  many,  having  escaped  from  their 
sick  bed,  have  returned  to  their  former  habits,  and 
walked  in  their  sinful  ways.  Thus,  by  their  con- 
duct, they  exhibited  the  mournful  evidence  that 
their  repentance  was  not  sincere.  Now,  should  you 
deceive  yourself  in  this  matter,  this  deception 
might  be  to  you  the  cause  of  everlasting  sorrow. 
True  repentante  implies  a  change  of  heart,  and  a 
thorough  reformation  of  life.  The  man  who  is 
really  converted  abhors  all  sin,  and  feels  an  ardent 
desire  to  devote  himself  entirely  to  the  service  of  God 
and  the  promotion  of  the  Redeemer's  cause.  There- 
fore, I  again  say,  examine  yourself  impartially, 
that  you  may  ascertain  your  sincerity  before  God, 
and  the  genuine  character  of  your  convictions. 
And  rest  not  short  of  the  real,  substantial,  and  un- 
deniable evidences  of  that  conversion  whicTi  the 
Savior  requires  ;  knowing  that  they  who  thus  seek 


ADDRESSES.  169 

God  sincerely,  in  his  own  appointed  way,  shall  find 
him  to  be,  in  their  own  expei'ience,  the  God  of  their 
salvation.  What  God  principally  requires  is  sin- 
cerity. If  the  sinner  is  but  sincere,  is  anxious  to 
be  converted,  submits  to  all  the  known  require- 
ments of  the  gospel,  really  hates  sin,  and  earnestly 
desires  to  be  devoted  to  God,  —  with  such  repent- 
ance the  Lord  is  well  pleased ;  for  he  looketh  at 
the  heart. 

The  following  will  serve  to  illustrate  the  charac- 
ter of  true  conversion  :  — 

God  brought  a  gentleman  of  distinction  on  his 
sick  bed,  whose  example  had  a  visible  and  power- 
ful influence  upon  the  lives  of  many  others.  He 
had  led  many  astray  by  his  wicked  example.  His 
pastor  found  him  in  a  state  of  total  indifference 
and  insensibility.  Having  spoken  to  him  in  a 
lively  and  affecting  manner  of  the  great  duty  of 
glorifying  God,  and  of  the  numerous  opportunities 
which  the  Lord  had  afforded  him  of  doing  good  to 
his  fellow-men,  the  pastor  proceeded  to  a  close 
examination  of  his  heart,  when  he  cast  down  his 
eyes,  overwhelmed  with  shame,  and  cried  aloud, 
"  Lord,  what  an  odious  sinner  lies  here  !  "  He  then 
gave  him  some  directions  about  what  he  should 
pray  for,  and  particularly  for  a  lively  knowledge 
of  his  sins,  and  then  left  him.  In  a  few  hours  after 
this,  he  was  again  sent  for.  Grace  had  now  arrest- 
ed him  in  a  peculiar  manner.  He  wrung  his  hands, 
cried  aloud,  denounced  his  whole  life,  sent  for  all 
those  whom  he  had  misled,  spoke  to  them  in  a  very 
affecting  and  impressive  manner,  and  showed  them, 
by  his  own  example,  that  the  ways  of  sin  were  un- 
easiness of  heart,  torment  of  soul,  and  rackiugs  of 
conscience.  How  he  wished  he  could  recall  every 
hour  of  his  former  life,  that  he  might  spend  them 


170  ADDRESSES. 

more  properly!  Havini?  striven  and  ^vrestled  a 
long  time,  God  at  length  granted  him  peace ;  for 
he  ardently  hungered  and  thirsted  after  the  right- 
eousness of  Christ.  He  obtained  the  assurance  of 
the  pardon  of  all  his  sins.  A  few  days  after,  hav- 
ing passed  through  many  trials,  but  not  suffering 
any  thing  to  estrange  him  from  the  grace  of  God 
in  Christ  Jesus,  he  bade  adieu  to  the  world,  and 
entered  into  glory.  His  pastor  evidently  perceived 
that  grace  had  discovered  to  him  his  most  secret 
sins,  and  that  those  which  formerly  appeared  to 
him  very  trifling  caused  him  great  uneasiness  and 
concern. 

No.  5. 

MY  Friend  :  If  you  have  examined  your  past  life 
sincerely  and  impartially,  as  in  the  presence  of 
God,  your  own  conscience  will  convince  you  of  the 
necessity  of  humbling  yourself  before  God,  while 
you  will  stand  self-condemned  in  his  presence. 
God  requires  of  those  who  would  obtain  an  inter- 
est in  his  mercy  to  be  sincere  ;  that  they  may  not 
flatter  nor  deceive  themselves,  nor  endeavor  to 
cloak  their  sins.  Hence,  like  David,  they  will  pray 
for  an  upright  heart :  '■  Search  me,  O  God,  and 
know  my  heart ;  try  me,  and  know  my  thoughts, 
and  see  if  there  be  any  wicked  way  in  me,  and 
lead  me  in  the  way  everlasting."  Thus  will  you 
be  disposed  to  pray,  if  your  conversion  to  God  is 
sincere.  In  no  case  is  deception  more  dangerous 
than  in  this  momentous  concern.  In  the  eternal 
world  this  deception  cannot  be  corrected.  There- 
fore be  thankful,  my  friend,  that  God  has  added 
another  day  to  your  existence,  and  so  improve  it 
that  you  may  work  out  your  salvation.  Collect 
now  your  thoughts,  and  reflect  sincerely  on  the 


ADDRESSES.  171 

whole  of  your  past  life,  and  your  own  conscience 
will  charge  you  with  sins  at  which  you  will  be 
alarmed.  You  will  be  grieved  for  having  known 
the  will  of  God,  and  yet  not  having  done  it.  You 
will  be  grieved  on  account  of  your  ingratitude  to 
God,  your  kind  Benefactor,  for  his  numerous  and 
great  mercies.  You  will  be  grieved  for  the  insen- 
sibility and  security  in  which  you  have  lived ;  for 
having  devoted  so  much  of  your  time  to  the  world, 
and  so  little  to  God.  And  not  only  will  you  be 
sensibly  affected  on  account  of  your  sinfulness, 
but  the  grace  of  God  will  be  esteemed  precious  to 
you.  Yes,  if  truly  penitent,  you  will  earnestly 
seek,  and  truly  improve  it  to  the  salvation  of  your 
soul.  You  will  be  grateful  that  God  is  still  good, 
and  merciful,  and  gracious  ;  and  your  sick  bed  will 
be  to  you  a  most  instructive  school  of  wisdom. 
How  sincerely,  how  humbly  will  you  confess  your 
sins  to  God,  and  with  what  sincerity  will  you  seek 
his  pardoning  mercy  !  How  sweet  will  those  words 
of  life  be  to  you,  "  This  is  a  faithful  saying,  and 
worthy  of  all  acceptation,  that  Christ  Jesus  came 
into  the  world  to  save  sinners  !  "  0,  how  precious 
will  Christ  cnicified,  his  meritorious  suti'eriugs  and 
death,  be  to  you !  How  humbly  will  you  believ^e 
in  his  name  !  And  with  what  anxious  solicitude 
will  you  appropriate  to  yourself  the  blessings  uf 
his  salvation  !  Yes,  then  will  you  form  the  sincere 
and  unalterable  determination  to  submit  to  God 
unconditionally,  and  to  devote  the  residue  of  your 
life  to  his  service.  Are  these  your  resolutions  ? 
and  is  such  the  character  of  your  feelings  and  dis- 
positions 1  If  so,  you  have  reason  to  thank  God 
tor  his  goodness  to  you,  in  sanctifying  this  afflic- 
tion to  your  spiritual  benefit. 


172  ADDRESSES. 


No.  6. 


MY  Friend  :  The  salvation  offered  you  in  the 
gospel  is  just  what  you  stand  in  need  of.  You 
cannot  save  yourself,  nor  blot  out  your  own  sins, 
nor  change  your  OAvn  heart,  nor  snatch  yourself 
from  the  pit  of  woe,  nor  raise  it  to  eternal  life.  But 
the  gospel  makes  known  to  you  a  Savior,  who  has 
come  to  do  all  this.  "  Unto  you  is  born  a  Savior." 
And  how  welcome  should  a  Savior  be  to  you ! 
Were  you  in  prison,  how  welcome  would  be  lib- 
erty !  Were  you  in  slavery,  how  welcome  would 
be  a  deliverer !  But  here  is  a  Savior  from  a  load 
of  sin,  and  from  the  reign  of  iniquity,  and  from  the 
remorse  of  conscience,  and  from  the  Avrath  of  God, 
and  from  eternal  punishment ;  a  Savior,  whose 
love  flows,  as  it  were,  in  streams  of  blood  divine ; 
and  who  is  ever  ready  to  extend  mercy  to  the  pen- 
itent. To  the  pardoned  soul  he  gives  present  peace, 
and  the  love  of  God,  and  the  glories  of  eternity. 

The  Savior  is  an  almighfij  Savior.  He  is  equal 
to  the  tasks  he  undertakes  ;  he  came  to  conquer 
death  and  Satan  ;  to  open  heaven,  and  people  it 
from  earth  ;  and  he  will  do  what  he  has  undertaken 
to  perform.  He  gives  promises  that  none  but  a 
God  can  give,  and  will  fulfil  every  promise.  On 
him  millions  have  leaned,  and  no  one  has  ever 
failed  that  trusted  in  him.  There  are  no  sins  that 
he  cannot  blot  out,  no  hearts  so  hard  that  he  cannot 
soften,  none  so  unworthy  that  he  cannot  welcome 
them,  and  none  so  weak  that  he  cannot  help  them 
to  heaven.  Are  not  the  tidings  of  such  a  Savior 
good  tidings  —  tidings  of  great  joy  to  you  ? 

Were  you  told  of  an  almighty  Savior,  but  had 
cause  to  doubt  his  compassion  and  love,  the  tidings 
would  not  be  so  agreeable.     But  this  Savior  can 


ADDRESSES.  173 

have  compassion,  and  is  full  of  love.  Go  to  the 
manger ;  what  laid  him  there  but  love  ?  Go  to  the 
garden  of  Gethsemane ;  Avhat  caused  him  to  en- 
dure its  agonies  and  bloody  sweat  but  love  1  Go 
to  Calvary;  what  made  him  bear  his  eross  and  die 
upon  it  bat  love?  Hearken  to  his  promises: 
*'  Come  unto  me,  all  ye  that  labor  and  are  heavy 
laden,  and  I  will  give  you  rest.  Him  that  cometh 
unto  me  I  will  in  no  wise  cast  out.  Verily,  verily, 
I  say  unto  you,  He  that  heareth  my  word  and  be- 
lieveth  on  him  that  sent  me,  hath  everlasting  life  ; 
and  shall  not  come  into  condemnation,  but  is  passed 
from  death  unto  life."  What  speak  these  words  but 
love  ?  Go  to  facts  in  his  conduct.  Behold  the 
penitent  woman,  weeping  at  his  feet.  What  is  his 
language  to  her  ?  Go  in  peace ;  thy  sins  are  for- 
given thee  ;  thy  faith  hath  saved  thee.  Is  not  this 
the  language  of  love  1  See  the  widow  of  Canaan  ; 
she  entreats  his  aid  for  her  afflicted  daughter;  he 
seems  to  turn  a  deaf  ear,  but  it  is  that  her  faith 
may  shine  more  conspicuously,  and  at  length  he 
says,  "  O  woman,  great  is  thy  faith  ;  be  it  unto 
thee  even  as  thou  wilt."  What  spoke  these  words 
but  love  1  O  my  friend,  as  there  are  no  sins  so 
vile  that  he  cannot  blot  them  out,  so  there  are  none 
so  aggravated  that  he  is  unwilling  to  take  their 
load  away.  As  there  are  none  so  unworthy  that 
he  cannot  help  them,  so  there  are  none  that  he  is 
unwilling  to  help.  Whosoever  cometh  unto  him 
shall  not  come  in  vain,  provided  he  only  come 
with  the  temper  and  disposition  of  the  returning 
prodigal. 

Yes,  my  friend,  if,  with  an  humble  and  contrite 
heart,  you  seek  pardoning  grace,  be  assured,  on  all 
that  is  true  and  solenan  in  the  gospel,  that  you  will 
not  seek  in  vain.     No  sins,  however  great,  no  guilt, 


174  MISCELLANEOUS. 

however  aggravated,  shall  prevent  the  penitent's 
salvation.  "  He  that  conicth  unto  me,"  says  he, 
"  I  Avill  in  NO  WISE  cast  out."  He  is  able  to 
save  to  the  uttermost  all  them  that  come  unto  God 
by  him. 

All  the  blessings  of  salvation  you  may  have  freely 
and  fully.  All  the  Jit7iess  required  is  to  feel  your  need 
of  him.  and  to  be  cordially  willing  to  receive  and 
serve  him.  You  must  come  to  him  just  as  you  are, 
with  all  your  sins  upon  you.  Imitate  the  conduct 
of  the  pul)lican  and  the  prodigaL  Think  of  those 
charged  with  having  crucified  the  Lord  of  glory,  as 
recorded  in  the  book  of  Acts.  The  same  day  which 
saw  them  broken-hearted  penitents  beheld  them 
rejoicing  disciples.  This  was  the  case  also  with 
the  jailer.  In  these  cases,  there  was  no  prepara- 
tion requisite  ;  but  a  feeling  of  guilt,  and  a  will- 
ingness to  embrace  the  Savior.  And  just  so  free, 
my  friend,  is  salvation  to  you,  and  to  be  enjoyed 
in  the  same  way  ;  by  faith  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ 
—  a  faith  which  humbly  relies  upon  him,  and  in- 
cludes the  surrender  of  soul  and  body  to  him. 
Kead  the  143d  Hymn,  "  Jesus,  Savior  of  my  soul." 
Read  the  130th  Hymn;  '•  Peace,  troubled  soul, 
whose,"  &c. 


5fikrilaGBiitis» 


The  following,  on  the  first  several  pages,  are  inserted  for  the 
comfort  and  encouragement  of  those  who  are  actively  engaged 
in  the  works  of  charity  and  benevolence. 

BLESSED  is  the  man  that  provideth  for  the  poor 
and  needy  5  the  Lord  will  deliver  him  in  the 
time  of  trouble. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  175 

GOD  is  not  unrighteous,  that  he  "will  forget  your 
work  and  labor,  that  proceedeth  of  love  ;  which 
love  ye  have  shown  for  his  name's  sake,  who  have 
ministered  to  the  saints,  and  yet  do  minister. 

THE  poor  shall  never  cease  out  of  the  land  ; 
therefore  I  command  thee,  saith  the  Lord,  Thou 
shalt  open  thine  hand  loide  unto  thy  brother,  to 
the  poor  and  to  the  needy  of  the  land.  Thou  shalt 
not  harden  thine  heart,  nor  shalt  thou  shut  thine 
hand  from  thy  poor  brother :  but  thou  shalt  surely 
give  unto  him  in  the  day  of  his  need,  because  that 
for  this  the  Lord  will  bless  thee  in  all  thy  works. 

THERE  is  no  school  in  which  to  learn  the  prac- 
tice of  virtue  with  such  facility  as  in  the  exer- 
cise of  benevolence.  Those  who  are  most  truly 
benevolent  are  making  the  swiftest  advances  in 
"  that  holiness  without  which  no  man  shall  see  the 
Lord  ;  "  and  are  rising  in  imitation  of  Him  who 
went  about  doing  good.  Let  us  delight,  then,  to 
imitate  his  example. 

Scripture  is  full  of  the  high  rewards  to  be  be- 
stowed on  the  good  and  benevolent ;  assuring  us 
that  they  who  have  done  good  shall  enter  into  life 
everlasting ;  not  of  merit,  indeed,  but  oi  grace.  And 
these  rewards  include  peace  and  consolation  of 
soul  in  the  present  life,  the  future  vision  of  God, 
and  the  full  enjoyment  of  holiness  and  perfect  bliss. 
To  all  who  have  endeavored  to  be  useful  upon 
earth,  he  will  say,  "  Well  done,  good  and  faithi'ul 
servants  !  enter  into  the  joy  of  your  Lor^l."  0  the 
unspeakable  blessedness  of  giving,  in  that  day, 
when  he  will  reward  them  all  according  to  their 
works  !  When  the  righteous  will  find  that  all  their 
virtues  have  vegetated,  and  brought  forth  abundant 


176  MISCELLANEOUS. 

fruit,  what  joy  and  blessedness  shall  take  posses- 
sion of  their  souls !  But  they  have  performed 
these  actions  with  reference  to  the  glory  of  God, 
and  with  a  desire  to  please  him.  "  Eye  hath  not 
seen,  nor  ear  heard,  neither  have  entered  into  the 
heart  of  man,  the  things  which  God  hath  prepared 
for  them  who  have  thus  loved  him." 

IT  is  only  by  keeping  the   Savior's  sufferings  in 
view  that  the  Christian   can  truly  practise  char- 
ity to  others,  or  exercise  self-denial  to  himself. 

OUR    opportunities    to    do   good    are   our  tal- 
ents. 

GIVE   alms  of  thy  goods,   and  never  turn  thy 
face  from  any  poor  man  ;  and  then  the  face  of 
the  Lord  shall  never  be  turned  away  from  thee. 

IT  is  Christ's  plan,  that  there  should  in  every  age 
and  place  be  poor  persons  and  poor  Christians 
as  his  representatives,  in  order  to  make  trial  of  the 
love  and  faith  of  his  disciples,  that  whenever  they 
will  they  may  relieve  them  for  his  sake. 

GRACE,  like  the  widow's  oil,  increases  by  being 
charitably  imparted. 

WHAT  we  admire,  and  what  we  ought  to  admire, 
in  man,  is  that  collection  of  fine  feelings 
which  make  a  human  creature  social  and  useful. 
Sympathy  and  fellow-feeling,  tenderness  of  heart 
and  pity  for  the  wretched,  compassion  for  his 
neighbors,  and  reverence  for  his  God  ;  the  melting 
eye,  tiie  soothing,  silvery  tone,  the  benevolent  ex- 
pression of  countenance,  the  rapid  actions  of  the 


MISCELLANEOUS.  177 

soul,  —  all  penetrated  with  reason  and  religion, — 
these  are  the  qualities  that  we  admire  in  him.  O, 
I  love  the  man  that  must  and  will  do  good  ;  the 
sympathizing  Christian,  who  eagerly  eml)raees 
every  opportunity  to  comfort  and  relieve  his  fel- 
low-creatures ;  who  hastens  to  the  bed  of  sickness 
and  pain  ;  imparts  to  his  fellow-Christian,  however 
humble  and  obscure  his  condition,  the  blessed  con- 
solations of  religion,  smooths  his  dying  pillow, 
and  does  what  he  can  to  relieve  the  burden  of  his 
grief.  Peace  and  blessedness  to  such  a  one.  He 
also  mu^  one  day  lie  on  the  bed  of  sickness  and 
death ;  and  then  will  the  Lord  strengthen  and 
comfort  him,  and  make  all  his  bed  in  his  sickness. 

Blest  is  the  man  whose  softening  heart 

Feels  all  another's  pain  ; 
To  whom  the  supplicating  eye 

Is  never  raised  in  vain ;  — 

Whose  breast  responds  with  generous  warmth 

A  stranger's  woe  to  feel ; 
Who  weeps  in  pity  o'er  the  wound 

He  wants  the  power  to  heal. 

To  gentle  offices  of  love 

His  feet  are  never  slow  ; 
He  views,  through  mercy's  melting  eye, 

A  brother,  in  a  foe. 

,  To  him  protection  shall  be  shown, 

And  mercy  from  above 

Descend  on  those  who  thus  fulfil 

The  Christian  law  of  love. 
12 


178  MISCELLANEOUS. 

ALL  our  works  of  piety  and  charity  must  spring 
from  love  to  God ;  gratitude  to  liim  for  the 
blessings  of  redemption  ;  unreserved  surrender  of 
ourselves  to  his  service,  and  a  disposition  to  de- 
light in  doing  his  will,  and  ascribing  to  him  all  the 
power  and  glory.  Such  good  works  are  "  spiritual 
sacritices,"  acceptable  to  God  through  Jesus  Christ. 
The  Lord  delights  to  honor  those  who  thus  honor 
him.  He  remembers  and  records  their  expressions 
of  faith  and  love.  In  this  world,  he  communes 
with  them  from  his  mercy  seat,  by  answering  their 
prayers  and  comforting  their  hearts  ;  and%e  will,  at 
•  the  day  of  judgment,  publish  to  the  assembled 
universe,  distinctly  and  particularly,  the  fruits  of 
lioliness,  which,  by  his  grace,  they  produced  on 
earth,  as  evincing  them  to  be  the  heirs  of  "the 
kingdom  prepared  for  his  people  from  the  founda- 
tion of  the  world." 

AT  the  day  of  judgment,  it  will  be  found  that 
peculiar  coronets  have  been  prepared  for  emi- 
nent saints. 

fjlHE  Christian  should  value  this  life  as  an  oppor- 
-1-  tunity  of  honoring  God,  both  by  living  accord- 
ing to  his  will,  and  by  doing  as  much  good  as  pos- 
sible to  his  fellow-creatures,  and  "  especially  to 
those  who  are  of  the  household  of  faith." 

"  pHARGE  them  who  are  rich  in  this  world,  that 
v>'  they  be  ready  to  give  and  glad  to  distribute, 
laying  up  in  store  for  themselves  a  good  founda- 
tion against  the  time  to  come,  that  they  may  attain 
eternal  life." 

''  Be  merciful  after  thy  power.   If  thou  hast  much, 
give  plenteously ;  if  thou  hast  little,  do  thy  dili- 


MISCELLANEOUS.  179 

gence  gladly  to  give  of  that  little  ;  for  so  gatherest 
thou  for  thyself  a  good  reward  in  the  day  of  ne- 
cessity. 

"  He  that  soweth  little  shall  reap  little ;  and  he 
that  soweth  plenteously  shall  reap  plenteously. 
God  loveth  a  cheerful  giver." 

"  He  that  hath  pity  upon  the  poor  lendeth  to  the 
Lord;  and  look,  what  he  payeth  out,  it  shall  be 
paid  him  again." 

niHE  expense  incurred  in  making  the  heart  of  the 
J-  poor  and  destitute  to  rejoice,  will  be  a  source 
of  heartfelt  joy  and  satisfaction  to  the  Christian  ; 
so  much  so,  that  he  will  desire  to  be  rich  in  good 
works  ;  ready  to  distribute,  and  willing  to  commu- 
nicate in  whatever  can  glorify  God,  and  do  good  to 
mankind. 

IN  proportion  as  faith  and  love  prevail,  they  will 
triumph  over  the  selfishness  of  the  heart,  and 
dispose  it  to  be  generous  and  kind. 

"  TNASMUCH  AS  te  have  done  it  unto  one 

i-  OF  THE  LEAST  OF  THESE,  YE  HAVE  DONE 
IT    UNTO    ME." 

It  is  impossible  that  language  can  express  great- 
er encouragement  t^  self-denying,  assiduous,  la- 
borious, and  expensive  charity  to  poor  Christians, 
for  the  sake  of  our  common  Lord,  than  that  which 
is  contained  in  the  above  declaration. 

As  none  but  believers  are  the  brethren  of  Christ, 
so  love  to  Christ  must  be  the  motive  of  the  liberality 
and  kindness  here  spoken  of 

IF  we  would  possess  a  good  hope  that  Christ  will 
address  us  as  "  the  blessed  of  his  Fatlier."  and 


180  MISCELLANEOUS. 

invite  us  to  sit  at  his  right  hand,  we  must  now 
recognize  our  Savior  as  disguised  under  the  mean 
attire  of  his  beloved  disciples  and  brethren  upon 
earth.  When  we  see  a  believer  hungry,  thirsty,  a 
stranger,  or  in  want  of  proper  clothing,  we  should 
imagine  that  our  Savior  himself  stands  before  us  ; 
requires  us  to  own  our  relation  to  him,  and  calls 
upon  us  to  give  him  food,  or  raiment,  or  to  provide 
him  a  lodging ;  we  should  ask  ourselves  whether 
we  can  feel  in  our  hearts  to  drive  him  from  our 
door.  And  when  we  hear  of  pious  persons  being 
sick,  or  in  prison,  and  wanting  advice,  attendance, 
or  other  relief,  we  should  suppose  that  Jesus  was 
in  these  circumstances,  and  sends  to  us  by  name  to 
come  and  minister  to  him.  Let  us,  then,  renounce 
our  own  ease,  interest,  convenience,  and  indulgence, 
and  abound  in  this  work  of  faith  and  labor  of  love ; 
and  should  we  ever  be  mistaken  in  the  character 
of  those  for  whom  we  thus  deny  ourselves,  from 
love  to  Christ,  he  will  certainly  accept  and  recom- 
pense our  services.  Those  actions  which  the  be- 
liever thought  nothing  of  at  the  time,  and  soon  en- 
tirely forgot,  as  well  as  those  which  were  concealed 
from  men,  Mali  all  be  brought  to  light,  and  gra- 
ciously recompensed;  not  a  crust  of  bread,  or  a 
cup  of  water,  given  for  his  sake  to  a  poor  brother, 
will  pass  unnoticed.  • 

TO    THE    DYING    SUNDAY    SCHOOL   TEACHEK. 

ORIGINAL. 

pAITHFUL,  loving,  patient  teacher. 

Glorious  death  is  thine  to  die  ; 
Hear  the  voice  of  thy  dear  Savior, 
Speaking  from  his  throne  on  high :  — 


MISCELLANEOUS.  ^81 

«  Weeping  round  thy  bed  there  standing, 

Children  coming  unto  me  ; 
Thou  sJialt  have  them  for  thy  jewels, 

To  my  kingdom  led  by  thee." 

All  thy  pleasant  labors  ended, 

Blessed  now  forevermore, 
And  thy  works  of  love  will  follow  — 

Some  have,  praising,  gone  before. 
Angels  o'er  thy  bed  are  calling, 

Hence  to  bear  thy  spirit  home  — 
*'  Come,  thou  blessed  of  our  Father, 

To  his  glorious  mansions  come." 

Dost  remember  little  Mary, 

Taught  by  thee  to  lisp  her  prayer. 
Taught  her  Savior's  precepts  holy  ? 

She  is  praising,  shouting  there,  — 
"  I  am  happy,  blessed  teacher. 

Hail  the  truths  thou'st  taught  to  me  I 
Emma,  Willie,  —  all  are  shining 

Here,  and  praising  God  and  thee.''' 

"  O,  the  grave,  —  the  gate  of  glory ! 

Fear  it  not,  —  we'll  meet  thee  there ; 
Shouting,  singing  hallelujahs, 

Angels  will  thy  spirit  bear." 
Called  by  Jesus,  saints,  and  angels, 

Happy  soul,  in  triumph  go  — 
Those  behind  thou  leavest  weeping, 

follow,  —  praising  here  below. 


182  MISCELLANEOUS. 


CHARITY. 

TN  the  hour  of  keenest  sorrow, 
-*■  In  the  hour  of  deepest  woe, 
Wait  not  for  the  coming  morrow  j 

To  the  sad  and  suffering  go. 
Make  it  thy  sincerest  pleasure 

To  administer  relief; 
Freely  opening  thy  treasure, 

To  assuage  a  brothers  grief. 

Go  and  seek  the  orphan,  sighing ; 

Seek  the  widow  in  her  tears  ; 
As  on  mercy's  pinion  flying, 

Go  dispel  their  darkest  fears. 
Seek  the  stranger,  sad  and  weary. 

Pass  not  on  the  other  side  ; 
Though  the  task  be  lone  and  dreary, 

Heed  thou  not  the  scorn  of  pride. 

Go,  with  manners  unassuming. 

In  a  meek  and  quiet  way  ; 
O'er  the  fallen  ne'er  presuming. 

Though  thy  brother  sadly  stray. 
'Tis  a  Savior's  kind  compassion. 

'Tis  his  righteousness  alone, 
All  unmerited  salvation. 

That  around  thy  path  has  shone. 

When  thy  heart  is  warmly  glc^ng 
With  the  sacred  Ibve  of  prayer ; 


MISCELLANEOUS.  183 

By  thy  works  of  kindness  flowing, 

Not  as  with  a  miser's  care, 
Duty  e'er  should  be  thy  watchword. 

Pity  drop  the  soothing  tear  ; 
Always  towards  the  fallen  cl^ierish 

Sympathy  and  love  sincere. 


AEFLICTIONS  are  God's  most  effectual  means 
to  keep  us  from  losing  our  way  to  our  heavenly 
rest.  Without  this  hedge  of  thorns  on  the  right 
hand  and  on  the  left,  we  should  scarcely  keep  in 
the  way  to  heaven.  If  there  be  but  one  gap  open, 
how  ready  are  we  to  find  it,  and  turn  out  of  it ! 
When  we  grow  vain  and  worldly,  how  doth  sick- 
ness and  other  affliction  reduce  us  !  Every  Chris- 
tian, as  well  as  Luther,  may  call  affliction  one  of 
his  best  schoolmasters,  and  with  David  say,  "  Be- 
fore I  was  afflicted  I  went  astray,  hut  now  have  I 
kept  thy  word."  Many  thousand  recovered  sinners 
may  cry,  "  0,  healthful  sickness  !  0,  comfortable 
sorrows  !  O,  painful  losses !  O,  enriching  poverty  ! 
O,  blessed  day  that  ever  I  was  afflicted  ! ''  Not 
only  the  green  pastures,  but  the  rod  and  the  staff, 
they  comfort  us.  Though  the  rod  and  the  staff  do 
the  main  work,  yet  suffering  so  unbolts  the  door 
of  the  heart,  the  word  has  easier  entrance. 

Bead  the  161st  Hymn,  "Lord,  unaffiicted,  un- 
dismayed." 


184  MISCELLANEOUS 


DESIGN    or    AFFLICTIONS. 

1  npHEY  ai-e  marks  of  GocVs  love. 

J-  God  doth  not  willingly  afflict,  &c.  Whom 
the  Lord  loveth,  he  correcteth.  As  many  as  I  love, 
I  rebuke  and  chasten.  Like  as  a  father  pitieth 
his  children,  so  the  Lord  pitieth  them  that  fear 
him. 

2  They  are  trials  of  faith  and  obedience. 

Blessed  is  the  man  whom  thou  chastenest,  O 
Lord,  and  teachest  him  out  of  thy  law.  Before 
I  was  afflicted  1  went  astray,  but  now  do  I  keep 
thy  law.  It  is  good  for  me  that  I  was  afflicted, 
that  I  might  learn  thy  statutes.  I  know,  0  Lord, 
that  thy  judgments  ai*e  right,  and  that  thou  in 
very  faithfulness  hast  afflicted  me. 

He  led  them  through  the  great  and  terrible 
wilderness,  that  he  might  prove  them. 

Tribulation  worketh  patience. 

He  chasteneth  us,  that  the  trial  of  our  faith, 
being  much  more  precious  than  gold,  though  it 
be  tried  with  fire,  might  be  found  unto  praise, 
and  glory,  and  honor  at  the  appearing  of  Jesus 
Christ. 

3  They  are  designed  to  make  us  partakers  of  God's 
holiness,  and  to  make  us  more  fruitful. 

He  chasteneth  us  for  our  profit,  that  we  may 
be  partakers  of  his  holiness.  I  am  the  true  vine, 
and  my  Father  is  the  husbandman.  Every  branch 
that  beareth  fruit,  he  purgeth  it,  that  it  may  bring 
forth  more  fruit.  Behold,  I  have  refined  thee ; 
but  not  witli  silver.  I  have  chosen  thee  in  the 
furnace  of  affliction. 

4  They  are  designed  to  conform  us  to  Christy  and 
to  fit  us  for  the  rewards  hereafter. 

"  If  we  be  dead  with  him,  we  shall  also  live  with 


MISCELLANEOUS.  185 

him ,  if  we  suffer  with  him,  we  shall  also  reign 
with  him."  "  If  children,  then  heirs,  heirs  of  God 
and  joint  heirs  with  Christ,  if  so  be  that  we  suf- 
fer with  him,  that  we  may  also  be  glorified  to- 
gether. For  I  reckon  that  the  sufferings  of  the 
present  time  are  not  worthy  to  be  compared  with 
the  glory  which  shall  be  revealed  hereafter." 
For  our  light  afflictions,  which  are  but  for  a  mo- 
ment, work  out  for  us  a  far  more  exceeding  and 
eternal  weight  of  glory. 

Blessed  is  the  man  that  endureth  temptation  , 
for  when  he  is  tried,  he  shall  receive  a  crown  of 
life. 

We  must,  through  much  tribulation,  enter  into 
the  kingdom  of  God. 

Those  now  before  the  throne  of  God  "  have 
come  out  of  great  tribulation." 

ON  THE  DUTIES  OF  THE  AFFLICTED. 

A  TTENTION  and  consideration. 
-^     "  In  the  day  of  adversity  consider^ 

Thus  saith  the  Lord,  "  Consider  your  ways." 
"  Hear  ye  the  rod,  and  who  hath  appointed  it." 

Happy  is  the  man  wdiom  God  correcteth ; 
therefore  despise  not  thou  the  chastening  of  the 
Almighty ;  neither  be  weary  of  his  correction, 
nor  faint  when  thou  art  rebuked  of  him.  Re- 
ceive the  law  from  his  mouth,  and  lay  up  his 
words  in  thy  heart. 

Confession  of  sin.  Only  acknowledge  thine  in- 
iquity, that  thou  hast  transgressed  against  the. 
Lord  thy  God. 

So  did  David  —  "  I  have  sinned  greatly." 

So  did  Jeremiah  —  "  We  have  transgressed  and 
rebelled,"  &c. 


186  MISCELLANEOUS 

So  did  Daniel  —  "  We  have  sinned  and  com- 
mitted iniquity,"    &c. 

3  Ecpentunce.  "  O  Israel,  return  unto  the  Lord 
thy  God,  for  thou  hast  fallen  by  thine  iniquity." 

''  Return,  ye  backsliding  children,  and  I  will 
heal  your  backslidiugs." 

''  Keturn  ye  now  every  one  from  his  evil  ways, 
and  make  your  ways  and  your  doings  good." 

'•  Turn  ye  unto  me  with  all  your  hearts  ;  with 
fasting,  with  weeping,  and  with  mourning." 

4  Prayer.  "  Call  upon  me  in  the  day  of  trouble, 
and  I  will  deliver  thee,  and  thou  shalt  glorify 
me.'" 

"  Is  any  among  you  afflicted,  let  him  pray." 

EXAMPLES    or    PRAYER    UNDER   AFFLICTION. 

1  TV  AVID.  "  In  my  distress,  I  called  upon  the 
-L'  Lord,  and  cried  unto  my  God." 

2  Hezekiah.  "  He  turned  his  face  to  the  wall,  and 
prayed  to  the  Lord." 

3  Manasseh.  "  He  humbled  himself  greatly  before 
the  God  of  liis  fathers,  and  prayed  unto  him,  and 
he  was  entreated  of  him,  and  heard  his  suppli- 
cations." 

4  Daniel.  "  I  set  my  face  unto  the  Lord  God,  to 
seek  by  prayer  and  supplication  ;  with  fasting, 
and  sackcloth,  and  ashes  ;  and  I  prayed  unto  the 
Lord  my  God,  and  made  my  confession." 

5  Paul.  '•  For  this  tiling  [the  thorn  in  the  flesh] 
I  besought  the  Lord  thrice." 

6  Lastly,  and  above  all,  the  example  of  our  Savior, 
who,  when  his  soul  was  exceeding  sorrowful  even 
unto  death,  "  offered  up  prayers  and  supplica- 
tions, with  strong  crying  and  tears,  unto  Him  who 
was  able  to  save  him  from  death,  and  was  heard 
in  that  he  feared." 


MISCELLANEOUS.  187 


DUTY   OF    PATIENCE. 

"  T)EST  in  the  Lord,  and  wait  patiently  for  him." 
J^  .  .  .  "  Knowing  this,  that  the  trial  of  your 
faith  worketh  patience.''^ 

"  And  let  patience  have  her  perfect  work  ;  that 
ye  may  be  perfect  and  entire,  wanting  nothing." 

"  In  your  patience,  possess  ye  your  souls."  .  .  . 
*'  Rejoicing  in  hope,  patient  in  tribulation,  continu- 
ing instant  in  prayer." 

"  Take,  my  brethren,  the  prophets,  who  have 
spoken  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  for  an  example 
of  suffering,  affliction,  and  patience.'"  ...  "Ye 
have  heard  of  the  patience  of  Job,  and  have  seen 
the  end  of  the  Lord,  that  he  is  very  pitiful  and  of 
tender  mercy." 

"  Strengthened  with  all  might,  according  to  his 
glorious  power,  unto  all  patience  and  long-suffering 
with  joyfulness." 

"  We  glory  in  you  for  your  patience  and  faith  ; 
in  all  your  persecutions  and  tribulations,  that  ye 
endure." 


DUTY   OF  RESIGNATION. 

"  WE  have  had  fathers  of  the  flesh  who  corrected 
' '    us  ;  shall  we  not  be  in  subjection  to  the  Fa- 
ther of  our  spirits,  and  live  ?  " 

"  Humble  yourselves  under  the  mighty  hand  of 
God.  .  .  .  Casting  all  your  care  upon  him,  for 
he  careth  for  you.  Cast  thy  burden  on  the  Lord, 
and  he  will  sustain  thee.  He  will  never  suffer  the 
righteous  to  be  moved.  Commit  thy  way  unto  the 
Lord,  and  trust  -also  in  him,  and  he  shall  bring  it  to 
pass." 


MISCELLANEOUS. 


EXAMPLES   OF    RESIGNATION. 

1  TOB.  "  Shall  we  receive  good  at  the  hand  of 
^  the  Lord,  and  shall  we  not  receive  evil  ?  The 
Lord  gave,  and  the  Lord  hath  taken  away; 
blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord." 

2  Aaron.     "  And  Aaron  held  his  peace." 

3  Eli.     '•  Let  him  do  what  seemeth  him  good." 

4  David.  "  Behold,  here  I  am  ;  let  him  do  to  me 
as  seemeth  good  to  him." 

5  '^  Our  Lord.     Thy  will  be  done." 

HOPE. 

"  IITHY  art  thou  cast  down,  0  my  soul  1    Hope 

tV    thou  in  God." 

"  Our  fathers  hoped  in  thee ;  they  trusted  in  thee, 
and  thou  didst  deliver  them." 

"  The  Lord  is  my  portion,  saith  my  soul ;  there- 
fore will  I  hope  in  him." 

RELIANCE    ON    THE    DIVINE    PROMISES   FOR 
SUPPORT. 

"  "DE  not  afraid ;  only  believe." 

-D  "  They  that  know  thy  name  will  put  their 
trust  in  thee ;  for  thou,  Lord,  hast  never  forsaken 
them  that  seek  thee.  The  righteous  cry,  and  the 
Lord  heareth  and  delivereth  them.  Many  are  the 
afflictions  of  the  righteous  ;  but  the  Lord  delivereth 
them  out  of  all.  Cast  thy  burden  upon  the  Lord, 
and  he  will  sustain  thee.  He  will  never  suffer  the 
righteous  to  be  moved.  For  the  Lord  will  not  cast 
off  forever :  but,  thougn  he  cause  grief,  yet.  will  he 
have  compassion  according  to  the  multitude  of  his 


MISCELLANEOUS.  189 

tender  mercies.  There  hath  no  temptation  hap- 
pened to  you,  but  such  as  is  common  to  man  ;  for 
God  is  faithful,  who  will  not  suffer  you  to  be  tempt- 
ed above  that  ye  are  able ;  but  will,  with  tne  temp- 
tation, make  a  Avay  to  escape,  that  ye  may  be  able 
to  bear  it.  His  grace  is  sufficient  for  you,  and  his 
strength  is  made  perfect  in  weakness." 


EXAMPLES   OF   FIRM   RELIANCE    ON    GOD    IN 
AFFLICTIONS. 

JOB.      "  Though  he  slay  me,  yet  will  I  trust 
in  him." 

"  I  know  that  my  Redeemer  liveth ;  and 
that,"   &c. 

David.  "  The  Lord  is  my  light  and  my  salva- 
tion ;  whom  shall  I  fear  ?  The  Lord  is  the 
strength  of  my  life ;  of  whom  shall  I  be  afraid  ? 
Though  a  host  should  encamp  against  me,  my 
heart  shall  not  fear ;  for  in  the  time  of  trouble 
he  shall  hide  me  in  his  pavilion  :  in  the  secret 
of  his  tabernacle  he  shall  hide  me ;  he  shall  set 
me  upon  a  rock." 

"  What  time  I  am  afraid,  I  will  trust  in  thee. 
In  God  I  have  put  my  trust.  I  will  not  fear  what 
man  can  do  unto  me.  My  soul,  wait  thou  only 
upon  God,  for  my  expectation  is  from  him.  He 
only  is  my  rock  and  my  salvation  ;  I  shall  not 
be  moved.  The  rock  of  my  strength  and  of  my 
refuge  is  in  God." 

"  Thou  art  my  hiding-place :  thou  shalt  pre- 
serve me  fi'om  trouble  ;  thou  shalt  compass  me 
about  with  songs  of  deliverance." 

"  My  flesh  and  my  heart  faileth  ;  but  God  is 
the  strength  of  my  heart,  and  my  portion  for- 


190  MISCELLANEOUS. 

ever.     Thou  art  my  hiding-place  and  my  shield. 
I  hope  in  thy  word." 

"  Yea,  though  I  walk  through  the  valley  of  the 
shadow  of  death,  I  will  fear  no  evil,  for  thou  art 
with  me  ;  thy  rod  and  thy  staff,  they  comfort 
me.  God  will  redeem  my  soul  from  the  power 
of  the  grave ;  for  he  shall  receive  me." 

3  The  woman  of  Canaan.    Jesus  said,  "  0  woman, 
great  is  thy  faith  ;  be  it  unto  thee  as  thou  wilt." 

4  Bartimeus.      Jesus    saith   unto   him,    "  Go   thy 
way  :  thy  faith  hath  made  thee  whole." 

Also,  the  following  examples  of  faith  under 
affliction  :  — 

The  leper. 

The  centurion. 

The  penitent  Magdalen. 

Habakkuk.  "  Although  the  fig  tree  shall  not 
blossom,  nor  fruit  be  in  the  vine,  &c.,  .  .  .  still 
will  I  trust  in  thee." 


INFLUENCE    OF   RELIGION. 

RELIGION  alone  it  is  that  can  impart  solid 
comfort  under  all  circumstances  of  life.  It  is 
this  that  can  make  all  our  bed  in  sickness,  can  be 
our  guide  in  health,  our  comfort  in  sorrow,  our 
hope  in  death. 

"  Jesus  can  make  a  dying  bed 

Feel  soft  as  downy  pillows  are  ; 
While  on  his  breast  I  lean  my  head. 
And  breathe  my  life  out  sweetly  there." 

In  the  hour  of  pain  and  affliction,  medicine  and 
art  can  often,  under  God's  blessing,  do  much;  but 
the  consolations  of  religion,  and  the  holy  and  peace- 


J 


MISCELLANEOUS.  191 

ful  satisfaction  arising  from  a  well-spent  life,  can 
do  more,  by  administering  a  cordial  infinitely  more 
lasting  and  efficacious  than  all  other  human  means. 
Eeligion  sheds  a  cheerful  light  even  around  the 
most  distressing  scenes  of  pain  and  suffering,  which 
powerfully  soothes  and  tranquillizes  the  feelings, 
and  thus  conduces  much  to  recovery  ;  "  for  a  cheer- 
ful heart  doeth  good,  like  medicine." 

"  Sir,"  said  the  excellent  Rev.  Mr.  Venn  to 
Abm.  Milwood,  who  was  sadly  afflicted  with  pov- 
erty and  disease,  "  I  have  brought  my  children  here 
to-day,  to  show  them  that  it  is  possible  to  be  happy 
in  a  state  of  disease,  poverty,  and  want ;  and  now 
tell  them  if  it  is  so."  The  dying  youth,  Avith  a 
sweet  smile  of  benevolence  and  piety,  replied,  "  O 
yes,  sir.  I  would  not  change  my  state  with  that  of 
the  richest  person  upon  earth,  who  was  destitute  of 
these  views  which  I  possess.  Blessed  be  God  !  1 
have  a  good  hope,  through  Christ,  of  being  admit- 
ted into  those  blessed  regions  where  Lazarus  now 
dwells,  having  long  forgotten  all  his  sorrows  and 
miseries." 

One  more  instance.  Said  the  accomplished 
daughter  of  a  distinguished  nobleman,  "  I  expe- 
rience a  pleasure  in  reading  the  Bible  which  I 
have  never  felt  before.  And  when  I  compai-e  the 
calm  and  peace,  which  the  smallest  grain  of  faith 
gives  to  the  soul,  with  all  that  the  world  alone  can 
give  of  joy  and  happiness,  I  feel  that  the  least  in 
the  kingdom  of  heaven  is  a  hundred  times  more 
blessed  than  the  greatest  and  most  elevated  of  the 
men  of  the  world."  This  was  the  language  of  a 
young  lady,  residing  at  the  very  centre  of  all  that 
dazzles  the  mind,  in  the  gayest  city  of  Euro]De ; 
whom  the  world,  in  its  most  alluring  forms,  was 
perpetually  assailing,  and  seeking  to  captivate. 


192  MISCELLANEODS. 


DESIGN    OF    GOD    IN    AFFLICTING    HIS    PEOPLE. 

AS  the  mason,  by  sharp  and  repeated  strokes  of 
the  hammer,  heweth  the  hard  stones,  and  strik- 
eth  off  here  one  piece,  and  there  another,  till  they 
be  fitted  for  the  place  where  he  will  lay  them  in  the 
earthly  temple,  even  so  doth  our  almighty  Builder 
heiv  and  polish  us,  by  repeated  strokes  of  affliction, 
from  all  manner  of  inequalities  and  blemishes,  who 
are  his  costly  and  precious  stones,  that  we  may  be 
smoothed  and  beautified  for  the  place  he  shall  as- 
sign us  in  his  heavenly  temple. 

"  I  am  deeply  conscious,"  said  the  late  Robert 
Hall,  whose  bodily  sufferings  were  long  and  severe, 
"  that  I  have  been  corrected  less,  yea,  infinitely  less, 
than  my  iniquities  deserve.  I  hope  I  am  more 
anxious  to  see  ray  heavy  afflictions  sanctified  than 
removed.  I  presume  that  the  Lord  sees  that  I  re- 
quire more  hammering  and  hewing  than  almost 
any  other  stone  that  was  ever  selected  for  his  spirit- 
ual building,  and  that  is  the  reason  of  his  thus  deal- 
ing with  me." 

TRIALS    NECESSARY. 

A  CHRISTIAN,  for  the  sweet  fruit  he  bears  to 
-tl-  God  and  man,  is  compared  to  the  vine.  Now, 
as  the  most  generous  vine,  if  it  be  not  pruned,  runs 
out  into  many  superfluous  stems,  and  grows  at  last 
weak  and  fruitless,  so  doth  the  best  man,  if  he  be 
not  cut  short  of  his  desires,  and  pruned  with  afflic- 
tions. If  it  be  painful  to  bleed,  it  is  worse  to  with- 
er. Let  me  be  pruned  that  I  may  grow,  rather  than 
cut  down  to  burn. 


MISCELLANEOUS. 


193 


AEFLICTIONS  are  usually  allotted  to  those 
saints  who  have  been  extensively  useful ;  and 
this,  amon<?  other  reasons,  because  the  infirmity  of 
their  nature  is  such,  that  success  for  the  most  part 
is  not  good  for  them ;  and,  therefore,  to  restrain 
pride  and  self-complacency,  and  to  promote  the 
growth  of  inward  holiness,  God  sees  fit  to  visit  his 
servants  with  repeated  trials,  that  none  may  glory 
in  his  sight ;  but  that  they  may  be  kept  lowly  and 
humble,  and  their  graces  be  preserved  and  aug- 
mented. The  most  eminent  saints  have  been  visit- 
ed with  the  most  eminent  trials. 

"  The  good  are  better  made  by  ill, 
As  odors  crushed  are  sweeter  still." 

THE  Christian  cannot  expect  uninterrupted  peace 
in  this  world.  Trials  are  needful  to  keep  him 
humble ;  and  difficulties  form  the  proper  exercise 
and  discovery  of  his  faith,  love,  patience,  and  hope 
in  God.  The  honor  of  God,  the  edification  ot 
others,  the  good  of  his  own  soul,  all  require  that 
in  this  world  he  should  have  tribulation. 

¥E  must  be  like  God  in  purity  before  we  can  be 
in  felicity.  . 

The  Christian's  whole  life  should  be  a  visible 
representation  of  Christ. 

The  only  way  to  have  spiritual  enjoyment,  is  to 
be  faithful  and  obedient  to  God. 

EFFICACY    OF   PRATER. 

THE  effectual  fervent  prayer  of  a  righteous  man 
availeth  much ;  consequently  the  prayers  of  pious 
13 


194  MISCKLLANEOU8. 

persons  must   be  exceedingly   useful   and  advan- 
tageous. 

Few,  says  Baxter,  that  are  acquainted  with  the 
grace  of  God,  are  unacquainted  with  the  efficacy 
of  prayer.  Says  he,  "How  many  times  have  I 
known  the  prayers  of  faith  to  save  the  sick,  when 
all  physicians  have  given  them  up  for  dead  !  It 
has  been  viy  own  case  more  than  ten  times,  when 
means  have  all  failed ;  yet  have  1  been  relieved  by 
the  prevalency  of  fervent  prayer." 

HOW  many  days  of  health  and  prosperity  do 
many  have,  and  how  few  of  sorrow  and  afflic- 
tion, in  comparison !  Bishop  Hall  mentions  an 
excellent  Christian,  who,  being  afflicted  with  a 
most  painful  malady,  in  the  midst  of  his  torments 
exclaimed,  "  0  my  God,  how  gracious  hast  thou 
been  to  me  !  Thou  hast  given  me  eighty-four 
years  of  health,  and  now  but  two  years  of  pain. 
Blessed  be  thy  name  for  thy  mercy  in  forbearing 
with  me,  and  for  thy  justice  in  afflicting  me. " 

IT  is  a  striking  fact,  that  the  most  eminent  Chris- 
tians, whose  lives  have  been  marked  by  signal 
usefulness,  have  also  been  marked  by  signal  trials. 
And  these  are  necessary  to  keep  them  humble,  and 
also  to  make  them  still  more  useful  and  fruitful. 
"  Every  bi-anch,"  &c.     (St.  John  xv.) 

DEATH  is  a  conquered  enemy;  he  cannot  hurt 
you  if  he  find  you  clothed   in   Christ's  right- 
eousness. 

NOTHING  tends  so  much  to  divest  death  of  its 
terrors,  and  the  grave  of  its  gloom,  as  to  fa- 
miliarize the  mind  with   them ;   so  that   he  who 


MISCELLANEOUS.  195 

Strives  the  most  to  shun  the  King  of  Terrors  is 
sure  to  see  the  most  of  his  countenance. 

ALL       HEAVENLY     HEARTS     ARE      CHARITABLE. 
Enlightened  souls  disperse  their  vivifying  and 
cheering  rays. 

DUTY   OF    CHRISTIANS. 

CHRISTIANS  are  required  to  live  not  only  to 
Christ,  but  to  live  like  him.  We  are  called  to 
be  his  visible  representatives  :  every  Christian  is  a 
sort  of  Christ,  resembling  him  :  going  about  doing 
good,  strengthening  the  weak,  comforting  the 
afflicted,  relieving  the  needy,  bearing  testimony 
meekly  and  mildly  against  evil,  and  doing  good  in 
every  possible  way.  How  happy  would  the  world 
be,  if  all  the  professed  followers  of  Christ  lived 
after  his  example  !  Let  all  Christians  then  set 
about  this  work  immediately  ;  and  this  with  more 
prayer,  and  therefore  with  more  success. 

OBJECTS    OF    CHRISTIAN     HOPE. 

rjlHE  perfect  and  everlasting  happiness  of  heaven 
J-  is  the  object  of  a  righteous  man's  hope  in  death. 

He  hopes  to  drop  all  his  sins  and  their  attendant 
train  of  sorrows  behind  him,  and  to  be  perfectly 
holy  and  happy  forever. 

He  hopes  to  see  his  God  and  Savior,  and  to 
spend  an  eternity  in  society  with  him,  and  in  his 
service. 

He  hopes  to  join  the  company  of  angels,  and  of 
his  fellow-saints  of  the  human  race. 

He  hopes  to  improve  in  knowledge,  and  capacity 
for  action  and  enjoyment,  in  an  endless  gradation 


» 


196  MISCELLANEOUS. 

He  hopes  to  see  the  face  of  God  in  righteous- 
ness, and  to  be  satisfied  when  he  awakes  with  his 
likeness. 

In  short,  he  hopes  to  be  unspeakably  happy  in 
an  endless  duration. 

What  a  glorious  hope  is  this  !  This  has  made 
many  a  saint  welcome  death  with  open  arms.  This 
has  made  them  "  desirous  of  being  with  Christ, 
which  is  far  better."  And  this  has  sweetly  swal- 
lowed up  the  sensation  of  bodily  pain.  Indeed, 
without  this,  immortality  would  be  an  object  of 
terror,  and  not  of  hope ;  the  prospect  would  be 
insupportably  dreadful.  For  who  can  bear  the 
thought  of  an  immortal  duration  spent  in  banish- 
ment from  God  and  all  happiness,  and  in  the  suf- 
fering of  pain  !  But  a  happy  immortality  !  what 
can  charm  us  more  ? 

Read  the  1 87th  Hymn,  "  I  would  not  live  alway ; 
I  ask  not  to  stay." 

THE    DYING    CHRISTIAN. 

COME,  my  friends,  enter  into  the  chamber  of  the 
dying  saint  in  the  lively  exercise  of  divine  faith, 
and  with  the  bright  prospect  of  immortality  full  in 
his  view.  Observe  the  smile  that  sits  upon  his 
countenance ;  view  his  patience,  his  resignation, 
his  peaceful  serenity  ;  hear  the  holy  and  heavenly 
language  that  drops  from  his  lips  :  "  I  go  the  way 
of  all  the  earth,  and  I  long  to  be  gone,  to  be  where 
my  Savior  is.  I  have  trusted  in  him  for  salvation  ; 
I  have  committed  my  everlasting  all  into  his  hands  ; 
I  know  in  whom  I  have  believed.  0  the  heavenly 
p"ace  and  joy  that  I  now  find  in  God's  sure  and 
well-ordered  covenant !  It  has  been  my  support 
through  life  under  many  painful  trials  and  over- 
whelming sorrows. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  197 

"  And  now,  when  drawing  near  to  the  eternal 
world,  and  about  to  bid  adieu  to  all  things  here 
below,  it  is  the  spring  of  joy  unspeakable  and  full 
of  glory  I  With  my  Shephei'd's  rod  and  staff  to 
support  me,  I  can  walk  fearless  and  undismayed 
through  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death  ;  '  for 
this  God  is  my  God  forever  and  ever,  and  he  will 
be  my  guide  unto  death.'  I  have  no  righteousness 
of  my  own  to  plead  at  God's  tribunal;  but  I  thank 
God,  who  has  given  me  faith  to  rely  on  the  all- 
atoning  efficacy  of  my  Redeemer's  blood,  and  the 
infinite  merit  of  his  perfect  righteousness  ;  so  that 
now,  through  faith  in  his  name,  I  can  triumph  and 
say,  '  0  deatli,  where  is  thy  sting  ?  0  grave,  where 
is  thy  victory  1  The  sting  of  death  is  sin,  and  the 
strength  of  sin  is  the  law;  but  thanks  be  to  God, 
who  giveth  us  the  victory,  through  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.'  " 

Read  the  124th  Hymn,  "Hear  what  the  voice 
from  heaven  declares." 

O    DEATH,    WHERE    IS    THY    STING  ? 

THE  power  of  death,  the  last  enemy,  is  destroyed, 
as  it  respects  all  who  believe  in  Christ  Instead 
of  being  the  jailer  of  hell  and  of  the  grave,  he  is 
now,  as  respects  Christ's  people,  the  porter  of  para- 
dise. All  he  can  now  do  is  to  cause  them  to  sleep 
in  Jesus,  release  their  immortal  spirits  from  the 
fetters  which  bind  them  to  earth,  and  deposit  their 
weary  bodies  in  the  tomb  as  a  place  of  rest,  till 
Christ  comes  at  the  last  day  to  raise  them  incor- 
ruptible, glorious,  and  immortal,  and  reunite  them 
to  their  souls  in  a  state  of  perfect  and  never-ending 
felicity. 


198  MISCELLANEOUS. 


THE    christian's    DEATH   BED. 

T  'M  dying !  —  this  frail  world  will  soon 
-*-     Be  nothing  more  to  me, 
And  all  I  love  so  fondly  now 
These  eyes  will  cease  to  see. 

O,  had  I  made  my  resting-place, 

My  hope  and  anchor,  here, 
What  would  my  guilty  feelings  be,  — 

What  —  but  despair  and  fear ! 

But  in  no  vain  and  careless  hope 

I  trusted,  Lord,  to  thee  ; 
And  now  my  Savior  bids  me  come 

To  heaven,  redeemed  and  free. 

Christ  is  my  stay,  —  I  cannot  fear 

To  yield  my  fading  breath  ; 
That  lamp  will  never  fail  to  light 

The  shadowed  vale  of  death. 


WHY     SHOULD    I    FEAK   TO   DIE  ? 

Ty HY  should  I  fear  to  die  —  why  shrink 

From  that  fast  coming  time  ? 
Though  guilty,  yet  I  humbly  dare 
Trust  in  the  Lord  divine. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  199 

His  promises  can  never  fail ; 

His  death  the  atonement  gives, 
And  through  his  cleansing  blood  and  name 

The  trembling  sinner  lives. 

Then  why  fear  death  —  death  that  will  bring 

The  Savior  still  more  near  1 
I  may  not  doubt  — my  "  God  is  Love," 

And  love  can  conquer  fear. 

SINNERS    INVITED   TO   CHRIST. 

THE  Lord  never  heard  any  that  accounted  them- 
selves worthy.  All  that  ever  had  access  and 
audience  with  God  have  been  really,  and  in  their 
own  esteem,  unworthy.  The  Lord  requires  not  that 
his  people  should  bring  any  worth  with  them,  to 
commend  their  prayers  to  him.  The  want  of 
personal  worth  did  never  hinder  the  Lord  from 
answering  prayers  ;  therefore  there  is  no  reason  to 
be  discouraged  for  want  of  that  which  is  neither 
necessary  nor  ever  was  present.  No  flesh  is  jus- 
tified in  his  sight. 

The  more  a  person  is  sensible  of  his  unworthi- 
ness,  the  more  hope  has  he  of  answer  and  accept- 
ance. This  is  so  far  from  being  an  impediment  to 
faith,  that  it  should  encourage  it ;  for  Scripture  and 
experience  tell  us,  it  is  both  the  Lord's  gracious 
disposition  and  practice  to  do  most  for  those  who 
are,  or  who  seem  to  themselves,  to  be  most  un- 
worthy. He  pronounces  those  blessed  who  are 
poor  in  spirit.  He  seeks  that  which  is  lost.  He 
calls  not  the  righteous,  hxxt  sinners,  to  repentance  — 
those  deeply  sensible  of  their  sinfulness.     He  in- 


200  MISCELLANEOUS. 

vitcs  beggars,  sends  out  his  servants  to  fetch  them 
in  —  those  who  have  no  money  and  no  worth.  He 
pities  those  whom  no  eye  pities,  and  condescends 
lowest  to  those  Avho  are  lowest.  Hereby  is  the 
freeness  and  the  richness  of  grace  made  more  con- 
spicuous ;  infinite  mercy  appears  more  merciful. 

Let  not  the  doubting,  desponding  sinner  then 
keep  away  from  Christ,  under  an  apprehension  that 
he  himself  can  make  satisfaction  for  his  soul,  or 
that  he  can  cleanse  himself  by  any  means  from  his 
iniquities ;  for  he  can  never  have  redemption  but 
through  his  blood  ;  nor  can  he  ever  subdue  his  lusts 
but  through  his  all-sufficient  grace  ;  neither  must 
he  think  that  he  can  do  some  meritorious  service 
as  the  price  of  his  favor.  O,  no.  He  must  come 
to  him  just  as  he  is,  with  all  his  sins  upon  him,  and 
not  stop  to  heal  himself  imperfectly.  Christ  is 
willing  to  bestow  upon  him  all  the  blessings  of 
salvation  freely,  "  without  money  and  Avithout 
price."  But  then  he  must  come  in  faith,  believing 
that  he  is  able  to  save  to  the  uttermost  all  that 
come  unto  God  by  him ;  believing  that  he  is  as 
willing  as  he  is  able.  He  must  come,  too,  in  love ; 
not  like  a  person  driven  by  necessity,  but  from  a 
feeling  of  affection  for  one  who  laid  down  his  life 
that  a  ruined  world  might  be  saved.  Thus  coming 
to  Christ,  he  will  be  graciously  received  by  him  ; 
the  burden  of  his  sins  will  be  removed ;  peace, 
solid  and  substantial,  will  take  possession  of  his 
soul ;  and  he  will  have  imparted  to  him  not  only 
happiness  here,  but  a  firm  and  stable  hope  of  never- 
ending  glory  and  felicity  hereafter. 

"  Yes,  whosoever  will, 

O,  let  him  freely  come, 
And  freely  take  the  stream  of  life : 

'Tis  Jesus  bids  him  come."  ( 131st  Hymn.) 


MISCELLANEOUS.  201 


WHEN    OF    THE    WORLD    GROWN    TIRED. 

"WHEN  of  the  world  grown  tired, 
When  age  and  sickness  come, 
When  hopes  we  fondly  cherished 
Are  faded  'neath  the  tomb,  — 

Then  to  our  God  we  offer 
The  worthless  heart  in  truth, 

Refusing  him  the  beauty  — 
The  spring  time  of  our  youth. 

And  does  he  then  reject  us  ? 

Can  Jesus  then  receive 
The  heart  that  should  be  given 

Ere  youth  and  freshness  leave  ? 

Yes,  still  he  smiles  forgiveness, 

The  guilty  soul  will  hear, 
And  e'en  gives  joy  in  heaven, 

O'er  the  repentant's  tear. 

O,  much  neglected  Savior, 
Who  would  not  fly  to  thee,  — 

Thy  mercy  never  ending. 
Thy  pardon  ever  free  1 

A  lifetime  could  not  offer 
One  half  the  praise  I  owe ; 


202  MISCELLANEOUS. 

And  sin  and  sorrow  mingle 
With  even  praise  below. 

My  God  !  despised,  insulted, 

Neglected  oft  by  me, 
Thy  holy  word  rejected, 

How  dare  I  come  to  thee  ? 

Still,  still  the  invitation  — 
The  sinner^s  call  I  view  — 

The  cross,  the  darkened  mountain, 
All  prove  my  pardon  true. 

"When  one  came  lowly  weeping* 
With  sorrow  seldom  felt. 

When  fervent  love  was  filling 
Her  bosom  as  she  knelt,  — 

Her  sins,  which  were  so  many, 
By  Jesus  were  forgiven. 

And  not  one  word  reproaching, 
The  pardon  sealed  from  heaven. 

To  whom  much  is  forgiven, 
How  much  that  soul  must  love, 

Who  sees  by  faith  the  mansion 
Prepared  by  God  above ! 

*  St.  Luke  vii.  38. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  203 

To  whom  much  is  forgiven  — 
Then  how  should  love  to  thee 

Be  shown  by  one  as  guilty, 
As  lost — yet  saved  —  like  me! 

Here  sin  with  praise  will  mingle ; 

Yet,  Savior,  hear  ray  prayer ; 
O,  tune  my  voice  for  heaven. 

To  praise  thee  holiest  there. 

BENEFIT   OF   AFFLICTIONS. 

WE  have  the  most  satisfactory  and  repeated 
T  T  proofs  that  it  is  in  the  school  of  affliction  where 
our  heavenly  Father  prepares  his  distinguished 
samts  to  become  pillars  of  glory  in  his  heavenly 
kmgdom.  The  more  the  waters  of  adversity  are 
made  to  pass  over  them,  and  the  more  thev  are 
tried  m  the  furnace  of  affliction,  the  more  is  the 
dross  and  corruption  of  their  fallen  nature  re- 
moved ;  and  the  fitter  they  are  for  the  society  of 
those  pure  and  spotless  spirits  above,  for  which 
their  heavenly  Father  is  training  them.  The  pure 
metal  cannot  be  separated  from  the  dross  and  im- 
purities with  which  it  is  connected  without  coiner 
throi^h  the  refiners  furnace ;  nor  can  the  human 
soul  be  purified  from  its  inward  corruption  and 
depravity  without  passing  through  the  crucible  of 
ainiction. 

^  The  refiner,  when  he  throws  his  precious  metal 
in  the  furnace,  does  not  mean  to  destroy  and  con- 
sume It,  but  only  to  separate  and  remove  the  baser 
metal  so  that  it  may  be  fit  for  his  own  use,  and 
capable  of  reflecting  his  image.     Thus   does  a 


204  MISCELLANEOUS. 

gracious  Father  deal  with  us,  when  he  applies  the 
transmuting  power  of  affliction  to  remove  from  us 
all  the  dross  of  worldliness,  and  all  the  impurities 
of  our  corrupt  nature,  that  we  may  be  fitted  for 
vessels  of  honor,  capable  of  reflecting  his  own 
image.  And  O,  it  is  a  delightful  thought  that  the 
eye  of  a  tender-hearted  God,  during  the  whole  of 
the  painful  pi'ocess,  is  steadily  fixed  on  every  pai't 
and  stage  of  the  work  ;  looking  earnestly,  like  the 
refiner  of  silver,  now  on  the  furnace  to  see  that  its 
heat  is  not  too  intense,  then  on  the  precious  ore, 
that  it  remam  not  too  long  under  its  operation. 
Yes,  he  shall  sit  as  a  refiner  and  purifier  of  silver. 
(See  page  205.)  All  this  is  necessary,  or  God,  who 
is  making  all  to  work  together  for  good  to  them 
who  love  him,  would  not  permit  it  to  happen.  Por 
it  is  only  "  if  need  be,"  that  they  are  in  heavi- 
ness through  manifold  temptations.  All  this  was 
known  to  Job,  who  said,  "  He  knoweth  the  way 
that  I  take,  and  when  he  hath  tried  me,  I  shall 
come  forth  like  gold.''' 

ANECDOTE    RELATED    BY   MR.   WIIITEFIELD. 

"  I  remember,"  says  Mr.  W.,  "  some  years  ago, 
when  in  a  glasshouse,  I  saw  several  masses  of 
burning  glass  of  various  forms.  The  worker  took 
a  piece  of  ghxss  and  put  it  into  one  furnace,  and 
then  put  it  into  a  second,  and  then  into  a  third.  I 
said  to  him,  '  Why  do  you  put  this  through  so  many 
fires  ?  '  He  replied,  '  0  sir,  the  first  was  not  hot 
enough,  nor  the  second,  and  therefore  we  put  it  in 
the  third,  and  that  will  make  it  transparent.''  " 

This  furnished  him  with  a  useful  hint,  that  we 
must  be  tried  and  exercised  with  many  fires  until 
our  dross  be  purged  away,  and  we  are  made  fit  for 
the  Owner's  use. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  205 


ANOTHER,    IN    RELATION    TO    THE     PURIFYING    OF 
SILVER. 

SOME  time  ago,  a  few  ladies  were  reading  the 
third  chapter  of  Malaciii,  in  which  reference  is 
made  to  the  refiner  of  silver,  and  to  the  fuller's 
soap. 

One  of  them  thought  that  the  fuller's  soap  and 
the  I'efiner  of  silver  were  only  the  same  image, 
intended  to  convey  the  same  view  of  the  sanctify- 
ing influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  "  No,"  said 
another,  "  they  are  not  the  same  image  ;  there  is 
something  remarkable  in  the  expression  in  the  third 
verse,  '•  He  shall  sit  as  a  refiner  and  purifier  of  sil- 
ver." Desirous  of  ascertaining  the  fact  of  the  case, 
one  of  the  party  went  to  a  silversmith,  and  request- 
ed to  know  the  process  of  refining  silver.  i|?his  he 
fully  described  to  her.  "  But  do  you  sit,  sir  ?  "  "  O, 
yes,  madam,  I  must  sit  Avith  my  eye  steadily  fixed 
on  the  furnace ;  since,  if  the  silver  remains  too 
long,  it  is  sure  to  be  injured."  She  at  once  saw 
the  beauti/,  and  the  comfort  too,  of  the  expression, 
*'  He  shall  sit  as  a  refiner,"  &c.,  &c,  Christ  sees  it 
needful  to  put  his  children  in  the  furnace ;  but  he 
is  seated  by  the  side  of  it.  Plis  eye  is  steadily  in- 
tent on  the  Avork  of  purifying ;  and  his  wisdom 
and  his  love  are  both  engaged  to  do  all  in  the  best 
manner  for  them.  Their  trials  do  not  come  at 
random;  the  very  hairs  of  their  head  are  all 
numbered. 

As  the  lady  was  retiring,  the  smith  called  to  her 
and  said,  that  he  had  forgotten  to  mention  one 
thing  ;  and  that  was,  that  he  only  knew  that  the  pro- 
cess of  purifying  was  complete,  by  "  seeing  his  own 
image  in  the  silver."     And  so,  when  Christ  sees  his 


206  MISCELLANEOUS. 

own  image  in  the  hearts  of  his  people,  his  work 
of  purifying  is  accomplished- 


SUBMISSION. 

T  WOULD  not  ask  a  thomless  life, 
-■-     From  every  sorrow  free ; 
Did  God,  in  his  kind  providence, 
Permit  it  so  to  be. 

For  as  the  verdure  of  the  earth 

Would  wither  and  decay, 
Beneath  the  dazzling  gloriousness 

Of  a  perpetual  day,  — 

So  the  green  places  of  the"  heart. 

In  life's  progressive  years, 
Would  cease  to  yield  the  buds  of  hope, 

If  watered  not  by  tears. 

I  ask  a  firm  and  steadfast  mind, 

My  duties  to  fulfil ; 
A  cheerful  and  obedient  heart, 

To  do  my  Master's  will ;  — 

An  humble  and  enduring  faith. 

To  lift  my  soul  above  ; 
And  in  each  chastening  grief  to  see 

A  Father's  tender  love ;  — 


MISCELLANEOUS.  207 

A  heaven-bora  strength  to  follow  on 

The  path  the  Savior  trod  5 
Through  him  to  win  the  meed  of  grace, 

And  endless  joy  with  God. 

USE    OF    AFrLICTION. 

So  fixed  is  the  natural  heart  with  its  affections  on 
the  present  scenes,  that  perhaps  it  would  never 
look  beyond  them,  but  for  the  appointed  means 
sent  by  God  for  our  eternal  good.  And  what  are 
these  means  1  They  are  such  as  trials,  afilictions, 
bereavements,  which  break  our  connection  with, 
and  destroy  our  love  for,  this  insnaring  world 
Their  dii-ect  object  is  to  draw  our  affections  from 
the  transient  scenes  around  us,  and  to  fix  them 
on  Him  who  is  the  "  Eock  of  Ages,"  who  is  "  one 
in  ten  thousand,  and  altogether  lovely."  They  are 
designed  to  conduct  us  to  Him  who  is  our  only 
comfort  in  the  season  of  sorrow,  which  must  sooner 
or  later  press  upon  every  human  soul.  They  are 
intended  to  bring  us  to  the  fountain  of  life,  where 
we  may  drink  and  live  forever. 

O,  how  thankful  ought  we  to  be  when  a  faithful 
God  draws  us  to  himself  by  a  timely  and  merciful 
correction,  as  an  earthly  parent  a  beloved  child  ! 
showing  us  that  we  must  lean  on  his  paternal  arm 
for  safety  and  protection  amid  the  seductions  and 
fascinations  of  the  world,  which  are  ever  like  a  pow- 
erful magnet,  exercising  their  attractive  agency 
over  us  and  bringing  us  into  dangerous  and  fatal 
contact  with  them. 

When  we  have  been  hewing  out  for  ourselves 
cisterns  that  can  hold  notliing  but  poisonous 
draughts  of  worldly  felicity,  is    it    not  an  angel 


208  MISCELLANEOUS. 

of  mercy,  which  so  often  dashes  the  cup  from  oar 
tremhliri}^  hand,  when  in  the  very  act  of  raising  it 
to  our  lips,  and  before  the  poison  should  fasten 
upon  the  soul  the  pangs  and  anguish  of  perdition  1 
Surely  we  shall  never  have  reason  to  weep  over 
the  broken  fragments  which  lie  scattered  beneath 
our  feet,  when  we  know  that  eternal  death  was  con- 
cealed therein. 

A  time  will  shortly  come  when  we  shall  ac- 
knowledge, with  gratitude,  that  afflictions,  troubles, 
and  the  like,  have  indeed  been  our  hirjhest,  choicest 
blessings,  when  we  shall  have  reason  to  say,  — 

"  For  all  I  bless  thee  ;  most,  for  the  severe." 

Afflicted  believer,  be  comforted.  Weeping  may 
endure  for  a  night,  but  joy  cometh  in  the  morning. 
Think  not  of  your  light  afflictions,  which  endure 
but  for  a  moment,  but  of  your  exceeding  weight 
of  promised  glory.  Your  heart  may  be  panting 
and  sighing  for  deliverance,  as  the  hart  panteth  for 
the  water  brooks  ;  but  remember,  you  have  a  river 
of  water  of  life  at  hand,  and  that  soon,  veiy  soon, 
you  shall  be  led  unto  living  fountains  of  water, 
and  God  shall  wipe  away  all  tears  from  your  eyes. 

Soon  shall  time  pass  into  eternity  !  Soon  shall 
mortality  be  swallowed  up  of  life  !  when  your  labor 
shall  be"  exchanged  for  that  rest  which  remaineth 
for  the  people  of  God  !  when  your  sorrow  shall  be 
exchanged  for  a  fulness  of  joy  at  God's  right  hand 
forevermore  !  A  few  more  struggles,  and  all  toil 
will  t)e  over.  A  few  more  setting  suns,  and  your 
eyes  shall  behold  that  angelic  convoy,  prepared  to 
bear  you,  with  holy  transport  and  seraphic  song,  on 
their  "^golden  pinions,  to  the  glorious  mansions  of 
eternal  day.  And  then  you  will  be  ready  to 
say,  -^ 


MISCELLANEOUS.  209 

Lend,  lend  your  wings  ;  I  mount,  I  fly. 
O  death,  where  is  thy  sting  1 
O  gi'ave,  where  is  thy  victory  ? 

CONSOLATIONS    OF    RELIGION. 

TEUE  piety  is  pleasant,  for  it  is  the  source  of 
pleasure  even  in  the  midst  of  pain.  Man  is 
born  to  sorrow  as  the  sparks  fly  upward ;  and 
though  many  young  persons  seem  to  suppose  that 
that  which  has  been  a  storm  to  othei's  shall  be  a 
calm  to  them,  yet  experience  soon  removes  the 
delusion.  No  situation  on  earth  can  give  perfect 
peace.  Even  the  most  peaceful  and  happy  dwell- 
ings, where  love  and  harmony  ever  abide,  cannot 
supply  that  blessing,  for  into  them  pain  has  it3 
avenue,  and  death  its  entrance;  death,  that  dis- 
solves its  fondest  ties,  and  takes  away  the  life  that 
is  dearer  than  our  own.  But  no  affliction  can  be- 
fall the  true  Christian,  under  which  his  Redeemer 
will  not  give  him  suitable  support  and  consolation. 
A  gentleman  was  invited  to  visit  an  indigent  man, 
deeply  afflicted,  and  gave  the  following  account  of 
what  he  saw  :  "  On  entering  his  house,  I  found 
him  alone,  his  wife  having  gone  out.  I  was  star- 
tled at  the  sight  of  a  pale,  emaciated  man  ;  a  living 
image  of  death,  fastened  upright  in  a  chair  by  a 
rude  mechanism  of  cords  and  belts  hanging  from 
the  ceiling.  He  was  totally  unable  to  move  either 
hand  or  foot,  having  more  than  four  years  been  en- 
tirely deprived  of  the  use  of  his  limbs,  and  the 
whole  time  suffering  extreme  anguish  from  swell- 
ings of  all  his  joints.  I  asked,  '  Are  you  left  alone, 
my  friend,  in  this  deplorable  situation.'  '  No,  sir,' 
replied  he,  in  a  touchingly  feeble  tone  of  mild 
resignation,  '  I  am  not  alone,  for  God  is  with  me.' 
14 


210  MISCELLANEOUS. 

I  asked  him  if  he  ever  felt  tempted  to  repine  under 
the  pressure  of  so  long-continued  and  heavy  ca- 
lamity. '  Not  for  the  last  three  years,'  said  he, 
'  blessed  be  God  for  it ; '  the  eye  of  faith  sparkling 
and  giving  life  to  his  pallid  countenance,  while  he 
made  the  declaration,  '  for  I  have  learned  from  this 
book  in  whom  to  believe  ;  and  though  I  am  aware 
of  my  weakness  and  unworthiness,  I  am  persuaded 
that  he  will  not  leave  nor  forsake  me.  And  so  it 
is,  that  when  my  lips  are  closed  with  lockjaw,  and 
I  cannot  speak  to  the  glory  of  God,  he  enables  me 
to  sing  his  praises  in  my  heart.'  " 

Are  not  such  hopes  and  such  prospects  sources 
of  real  pleasure  ?  What  is  there  in  all  worldly 
pleasures  that  can  compare  with  that  holy  peace, 
that  pure  delight,  which  flows  from  the  love  of  God, 
and  a  hope  full  of  immortality  1  Many  there  are  who 
can  bear  testimony  to  the  consolatory  influences 
of  religion,  under  circumstances  of  the  most  poig- 
nant attliction,  and  even  in  the  last  awful  hours  of 
life.  Go  to  the  sick  bed  of  the  humble  believer, 
and  say,  "  Poor  sufferer,  can  you  find  comfort  in 
the  midst  of  anguish  1 "  "  Yes,"  says  one,  "  I  have 
pain,  but  I  have  peace" — Baxter.  Go  to  the  sick 
bed  of  the  dying  youth ;  ask  him,  "  Can  you  feel 
any  pleasure  while  sickness  threatens  you  with  an 
early  tomb  1  "  Let  one  reply,  who,  being  dead,  yet 
speaks  —  Janeway.  "0  that  I  could  let  you 
know  what  I  now  feel !  0  that  I  could  express 
the  thousandth  part  of  that  sweetness  which  I  now 
find  in  Christ !  O  ray  friends,  you  little  think 
what  Christ  is  worth  in  a  dying  hour.  I  would  not 
for  millions  of  worlds  be  now  without  Christ  and 
a  pardon.  1  long  to  be  with  him.  I  long  to  die. 
O  sirs,  worldly  pleasures  are  pitiful,  sorry  things, 
compared  with  one  glimpse  of  this  glory,  which 


MISCTSLLANEOaS.  211 

shines  so  strongly  into  my  soul.  0,  why  should 
any  of  you  be  so  sad,  when  I  am  so  glad  ?  This, 
this  is  the  hour  that  I  have  waited  for."  Happy 
they,  who  learn  thus  happily  and  peacefully  to  die. 
"  Mark  the  perfect  man,  and  behold  the  upright ; 
for  the  end  of  such  is  peace." 

COMPASSION    AND    CONDESCENSION    OF    CHRIST. 

PEAE,  not,  says  the  Savior  to  his  penitent,  bro- 
ken-hearted disciple.  Eear  not,  trembling,  de- 
sponding soul.  My  glory,  my  perfections,  need  not 
alarm  thee,  for  they  are  all  engaged  on  thy  side  — 
all  pledged  to  secure  thy  salvation.  Tell  me  not 
of  thy  sins.  I  will  take  them  away.  Tell  me  not 
of  thy  weakness,  thy  folly,  thy  ignorance.  I  have 
treasures  of  wisdom,  and  knowledge,  and  strength 
for  thee.  Tell  me  not  of  the  weakness  of  thy 
graces.  My  grace  is  sufiBcient  for  thee ;  for  its 
riches  are  unsearchable.  Tell  me  not  of  the  dif- 
ficulties which  oppose  thy  salvation.  Is  any  thing 
too  hard  for  me  "?  Tell  me  not  that  the'  favors 
thou  art  receiving  are  too  great  for  thee.  I  know 
they  are  too  great  for  thee  to  merit,  but  they  are 
not  too  great  for  me  to  give.  Nay,  more  ;  I  will 
give  thee  greater  things  than  these.  I  will  not 
only  continue  to  pardon  thy  sins,  bear  with  thine 
infirmities,  and  heal  thy  backslidings,  but  give  thee 
larger  and  larger  measures  of  my  grace  ;  make 
thee  more  and  more  useful  in  the  world,  render 
thee  more  than  conqueror  over  all  thine  enemies, 
and  at  death  wipe  avv^ay  forever  all  thy  tears,  re- 
ceive thee  to  the  mansions  which  my  Fatlier  hath 
prepared  for  thee  in  heaven,  and  cause  thee  to  sit 
down  with  me  on  my  throne  forever  and  ever. 
Thus  doth  Christ  comfort   those  that   inouraj 


212  MISCELLANEOUS. 

thus  does  he  encourage  the  desponding ;  thus  ex- 
alts those  that  humble  themselves  at  his  feet,  and 
constrains  them  to  cry  out  in  admiring  transports 
of  gratitude  and  love,  "  Who,  0,  who  is  a  God  like 
unto  thee,  forgiving  iniquity,  transgression,  and 
sin?" 

THE    DOUBTING    PENITENT. 

rjlHAT  is  a  distressing  state  of  mind  in  which 
A  man  is  placed,  when  a  kind  and  compassionate 
Savior,  by  the  influence  of  his  grace,  is  drawing 
the  stricken  penitent  to  himself;  and  when  Satan 
is  seen  trying  every  artifice  to  keep  him  back,  by 
persuading  him  that  his  past  sins  are  so  many  and 
great,  his  case  so  hopeless  and  aggravated,  and  so 
far  beyond  the  reach  of  mercy  and  pardon,  that 
none  of  God's  invitations,  provisions,  and  promises 
belong  to  him !  ~  The  fountain  opened  for  un 
cleanness  is  under  his  eye,  but  he  dares  not  ap- 
pioach  it.  The  Savior  is  lifted  up  before  him,  as 
the  serpent  in  the  wilderness,  but  he  fears  to  look 
upon  him.  His  exceeding  great  and  precious 
promises  are  brought  within  his  reach,  but  he  can- 
not grasp  them  and  call  them  his  own.  The  spirit 
of  evil  is  ever  tempting  him  to  entertain  doubts, 
in  the  face  of  a  covenant  sure  as  God,  and  a  light 
clear  as  the  noonday  sun  ;  tempting  him  to  say, 
"  I  have  sinned  past  forgiveness.  I  know  God's 
promises  are  many  and  great,  but  none  of  them 
are  meant  for  me.  There  is  compassion  with  Christ, 
but  it  belongs  not  to  me."  Thus  does  Satan  use 
his  efforts  to  keep  us  from  the  way  of  salvation,  by 
blinding  our  minds,  lest  the  light  of  the  glorious 
gospel  of  Christ  should  shine  into  our  hearts. 
Thus  does  lie  endeavor  to  keep  us  away  from  that 
all-merciful  Being,  whose  arms  are  ever  extended 


MISCELLANEOUS.  213 

to  embrace  the  most  abandoned  of  sinners,  that 
come  to  him  with  the  humble  and  contrite  heart 
of  the  returning  prodigal.  0.  then,  let  all  such 
sons  and  daughters  of  sorrow  betake  themselves 
at  once  to  Him  who  has  said,  "  Come  unto  me,  all 
ye  that  labor  and  are  heavy  laden,  and  I  will  give 
you  rest,"  and  they  will  find  the  peace  and  rest 
which  they  need.  Let  them  return  unto  the  Lord, 
and  he  will  heal  them,  and  to  our  God,  and  he  will 
abundantly  pardon. 

"  Cotne,  freely  come,  by  sin  oppressed, 
On  Jesus  cast  thy  weighty  load  ; 

In  him,  thy  refuge,  find  thy  rest, 
Safe  in  the  mercy  of  thy  God. 

Thy  God's  thy  Savior  —  glorious  word  ! 

O,  hear,  believe,  and  bless  the  Lord." 

LINES     SUGGESTED    BY   A    SICK    CHRISTIAN'S 
STATE. 

TvOUBTS,  and  fears,  and  gloomy  sadness 

Press  around  my  lowly  bed  ; 
Sickness,  terrors  come  to  haunt  me, 
With  a  wild  and  awful  dread. 

Prayer !  0,  that  has  been  my  comfort ; 

Why  does  prayer  forsake  me  now  1 
Satan  surely  is  beside  me, 

With  his  darts  to  pierce  my  brow. 

Evil  thoughts  of  death  and  terror 

Make  my  life  a  weary  thing ; 
O,  could  I  but  view  that  Savior, 

Who  from  death  has  plucked  the  sting ! 


214  MISCELLANEOUS. 

But  my  heart  is  filled  with  anguish  , 
Sorrow,  sickness,  are  both  near  j 

Could  I  pray  —  but  no,  I  languish, 
Overcome  with  sin  and  fear. 

Christian,  thou,  the  sad,  afflicted, 
Weary,  worn  with  guilt  and  care, 

List  to  words  of  peace  and  comfort, 
Sent  to  save  thee  from  despair. 

Though  in  deep  dismay  at  judgment, 
Thou  forsaken  feel,  and  lost ; 

Though  thy  heart  is  filled  with  anguish, 
All  in  wild  confusion  tossed  ;  — 

Listen  to  thy  gracions  Savior . 

His  the  power  that  bids  thee  live  ; 
He  invites  the  weary  laden  ; 

Every  sin  He  will  forgive. 

Yes,  he  died  for  every  sinner  — 
"Words  of  comfort,  just  and  true ! 

Torments  has  that  Savior  suffered, 
Death  on  Calvary  for  you. 

Do  you  think  that  he  will  let  you 
Fall  a  prey  to  Satan's  art  1 

No!  that  good  and  gracious  Shepherd 
Bids  thee  choose  the  better  part. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  215 

Prayer  has  left  thee  for  a  season  ; 

Force  it  on  —  'twill  not  be  vain  ; 
Besist  —  I'esist  the  evil  one, 

He  will  flee  —  then  hope  again. 

Peace  and  rest,  through  tribulation, 

Jesus  ofifers  unto  you  ; 
Doubt  him  not ;  his  word  is  sacred  ; 

Jesus'  word  is  ne'er  untrue. 

SIN   MUST   BE    RENOUNCED. 

EVERY  one  that  will  gain  Christ  must,  every 
one  that  savingly  knows  Christ  does,  readily 
lose  and  freely  part  with  every  known  sin.  Till  sin 
is  utterly  rejected,  Christ  is  never  gained.  There  is 
not  one  word  in  Scripture  that  gives  the  least  hope 
to  any  sinner  of  gaining  Christ,  who  will  continue 
in  any  known  sin.  You  utterly  lose  Christ,  and 
all  the  benefits  which  sinners  can  expect  from 
Christ,  if  you  will  not  part  with  every  lust ;  no 
matter  how  gainful  it  may  seem,  you  will,  you 
must  lose  Christ  for  it,  if  you  will  not  lose  it  for 
Christ. 

EFFICACY   OF   CHRIST's   MERITS. 

CHRIST  has  merited  righteousness  for  as  many 
as  are  found  in  him.  In  him  God  findeth  us, 
if  we  he  faithful ;  for  by  faith  we  are  incorporated 
in  Christ.  Then,  although  in  ourselves  we  be  al- 
together sinful,  yet  even  the  man  who  is  impious 
in  himself,  full  of  iniquity,  full  of  sin,  —  him.  being 
found  in  Christ  through  faith,  and  having  his  sin 


216  MISCELLANEOUS. 

remitted  through  sincere  repentance,  —  him  God 
beholdeth  with  a  gracious  eye  ;  putteth  away  his 
sin  by  not  imputing  it;  taketh  away  the  punish- 
ment due  thereto,  by  pardon hig  it ;  and  accepteth 
him  in  Christ  Jesus  as  perfectly  righteous  as  though 
he  had  fulfilled  all  that  was  commanded  him  in  the 
law  ;  sliall  I  say,  more  perfectly  righteous  than  if 
himself  had  fullilled  the  whole  law  ?  I  must  take 
heed  what  I  say  ;  but  the  apostle  saith,  "  God  made 
him  to  be  sin  (or  a  sin-offering)  for  us  who  knew 
no  sin,  that  we  might  be  made  the  righteousness 
of  God  in  him."  Such  we  are  in  the  sight 
OF  God  the  Father,  as  is  the  very  Son  of 
God  himself.  Let  it  be  counted  folly,  or  frenzy, 
or  whatsoever,  it  is  our  comfort  and  our  wisdom  j 
we  care  for  no  knowledge  in  the  world  but  this, 
that  man  hath  sinned,  and  that  God  hath  suffered; 
that  God  hath  made  himself  the  Son  of  man,  and 
that  men  ai-e  made  "  the  righteousness  of  God." 

Read  the  141st  Hymn.     "  0,  let  triumphant  faith 
dispel." 

CHRIST    THE     LIGHT    OF    LIFE. 

niHE  knowledge  of  Christ  is  the  light  of  life, 
J-  the  dawning  of  approaching  glory.  "When 
Christ  is  first  known,  the  day  of  glory  breaks ;  and 
the  more  it  increases,  the  more  it  shines  unto  per- 
fect day  —  unto  perfect  glory. 

THE    HOLY    spirit     NEEDED    DAILY. 

rjV.OUGH  a  Christian  has  for  years  been  influ- 
i  enced  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  he  needs  him  afresh 
every  day,  as  much  as  if  he  had  never  partaken  of 
his  influences  at  all ;  because  in  himself  he  is  as 
dark  and  as  empty  of  all  true  goodness  as  ever. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  217 


GOD    A    GOD    OF     COVENANT. 

"^HE  Lord  upon  the  mercy  scat,  or  throne  of 
grace,  is  a  God  of  covenant  to  all  his  people. 
NoAv.  all  the  promises  in  the  Bible  are  but  so  many 
articles  of  that  covenant ;  he  that  is  in  covenant 
with  God  is  included  in  all  the  articles  of  it ;  every 
promise  belongs  to  him,  so  far  as  his  condition 
makes  him  capable  and  requires  it.  The  Lord 
upon  a  throne  of  grace  is  a  God  to  us  in  Christ. 
Now,  in  Christ  all  the  promises  are  Yea  and  Amen  ; 
or,  in  other  words,  infallibly  true  —  and  that  per- 
petually. The  covenant  is  as  a  cluster  of  grapes  ; 
the  several  promises  are  as  particular  grapes  in 
that  cluster  ;  Christ  is  as  the  branch,  or  stalk,  that 
holds  them  all.  He  that  lays  hold  on  Christ  hath 
the  stalk  in  his  hand,  and  so  holds  the  whole  clus- 
ter, and  every  particular  grape.  If  Christ  he  ouis, 
we  have  laid  hold  on  the  covenant ;  the  whole  cluster  of 
promises  is  in  our  hands. 

god's  mercy  to  saints. 

THE  saints  are  vessels  full  of  mercy ;  it  falls  into 
them  here,  but  they  shall  fall  into  it  hereafter, 
and  be  filled  therewith,  as  a  vessel  cast  into  the  sea. 
We  swim  in  streams  of  mercy  from  one  condition 
to  another,  till  at  last  we  are  swallowed  up  in  the 
ocean  of  mercy. 

Christ's  love. 

C HEIST  has  the  love  of  a  friend,  a  brother,  a 
father,  a  husband,  of  all  relations,  for  every  one 
of  his  people.     And  his  sympathy,  his   pity,  and 


218  MISCELLANEOUS. 

compassions,  which  proceed  from  his  love,  are  of  a 
corresponding  character.  He  is  as  afFectionateiy 
and  as  effectually  touched  with  a  feeling  of  his  peo- 
ple's infirmities  as  though  every  one  of  them  were 
every  way  related  to  him  —  as  though  they  were 
his  friends,  his  brethren,  his  sisters,  his  mother,  hia 
children,  his  spouse.  He  has  the  compassions,  and 
so  the  love,  no:  only  of  one  relation  for  one,  and 
another  relation  for  another,  but  of  all  relations 
together,  for  every  one  of  his. 

ANTINOMIAN    DOCTRINES. 

Ungodly  men,  who  turn  the  grace  of  God  into  lascivioua- 
ness,    Jude  4. 

I^ROM  what  the  bee  extracts  honey,  venomous 
-  insects  will  gather  poison.  An  ungodly  heart 
will  convert  the  most  wholesome  truths  of  God's 
grace  into  the  most  poisonous  effects  :  there  ever 
were  such  men  ;  there  are  such  at  this  day,  who 
preach  some  of  the  truths  concerning  Christ,  and 
the  grace  of  God  abounding  to  sinners  in  him,  and 
yet  with  these  maintain  the  most  shameful  heresies. 
They  are  the  "  fools  who  make  a  mock  at  sin." 
Personal  holiness  they  practically  hold  in  derision ; 
they  "  declare  their  sin  as  Sodom,"  "  say  unto  the 
wicked  it  shall  be  well  with  him  : "  and  they  swal- 
low up  every  unscriptural  error  in  that  damnable 
heresy  —  All  men  shall  be  saved  at  last. 

O  Christians  !  as  you  love  Christ,  as  you  value 
your  precious  souls,  as  you  prize  communion  with 
God,  peace  of  conscience,  and  joy  in  the  Holy 
Ghost,  beware  of  such  ungodly  men  ;  keep  at  the 
greatest  distance  from  them  ;  maintain  the  utmost 
abhorrence  of  tlieir  soul-destroying  notions.  Why, 
O,  why  did  the  blessed  Spirit  convince  us  of  sin, 


MISCELLANEOUS.  219 

and  lead  us  to  Christ  for  salvation,  but  that  we 
should  love  God.  delight  in  him,  enjoy  fellowship 
with  him,  and  have  no  more  to  do  with  the  unfruit- 
ful works  of  darkness,  but  serve  him  in  righteous- 
ness and  true  holiness  all  the  days  of  our  life?  The 
faith  that  doth  not  influence  us  to  this  is  not  the 
faith  of  the  holy  gospel,  not  a  faith  in  a  holy  Jesus, 
but  it  is  the  faith  of  the  ungodly,  whose  end  is 
destruction. 

THE    CONVINCED    SINNER   BELIEVING    IN   CHRIST. 

Ty  HEN  a  convinced  sinner,  who  feels  condemned 
« V  by  the  law  of  God  and  his  own  conscience, 
and  fears  the  sentence  of  eternal  condemnation  from 
the  mouth  of  his  Judge  hereafter,  hears  and  believes 
the  glad  tidings  of  salvation,  they  cause  hope  in  the 
mercy  of  God  to  spring  up  in  his  anxious,  troubled 
breast.  He  says  to  himself,  ''  I  am  a  miserable, 
guilty  creature.  I  have  rebelled  against  my  Crea- 
tor, broken  his  laws,  and  thus  exjiosed  myself  to 
his  dreadful  curse.  How,  then,  can  I  escape  from 
this  curse,  which  threatens  to  plunge  me  into  eter- 
nal ruin  ?  Can  I  call  back  the  idle  words  I  have 
uttered,  the  sinful  desires  I  have  indulged,  the 
wicked  actions  I  have  committed,  the  time  I  have 
wasted,  the  precious  privileges  and  opportunities  I 
have  misimproved  1  No.  Can  I  wash  away  the 
guilt  of  these  my  sins  from  my  troubled  conscience, 
or  blot  out  the  black  catalogue  of  them  which  is 
written  in  the  book  of  God's  remembrance  ?  No. 
Can  I  make  any  satisfaction  or  atonement  for  them, 
to  appease  my  justly-oiFended  God  ?  No.  Even 
should  I  be  perfectly  obedient  in  future,  still  this 
will  not  blot  out  my  past  sins.  Besides,  I  find  that 
I   daily   commit  new   sins  ;    so  that,   instead   of 


220  MISCELLANEOUS. 

diminishinf;,  I  increase  my  guilt.  What,  then,  can 
I  do  ?  Where  can  I  turn  1  On  what  can  I  build 
my  hope  of  mercy  1  Why  should  God  pardon 
me  and  give  me  heaven,  when  I  have  done,  and 
still  do,  nothing  but  provoke  him  1  What  can  I, 
what  must  I,  do  to  be  saved  ?  The  gospel  indeed 
says,  '  Believe  on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  thou 
shalt  be  saved.'  It  tells  me,  that  though  my  sins 
be  as  crimson  color  and  scarlet  dye,  yet  if  I  forsake 
them  and  turn  unto  the  Lord,  he  will  abundantly 
pardon.  Why  should  /  not  believe  in  Christ  as 
well  as  others  ?  His  blood  cleanses  from  all  sin. 
But  perhaps  I  am  too  great  a  sinner.  Yet  the 
gospel  assures  me  that  Christ  came  to  save  the 
chief  o?  sinners.  Why,  then,  should  I  doubt  ?  Why 
should  I  not  believe.  Zmust,  Twill,  I  can,  I  do  be- 
lieve ;  Lord,  help  mine  unbelief." 

CHRIST   UNCHANGEABLE. 

AS  amid  all  the  vicissitudes  of  the  seasons,  the 
succession  of  day  and  night,  and  the  change 
of  the  weather,  the  sun  remains  and  shines  in  the 
same  part  of  the  heavens,  so  amid  all  the  daily 
changes  which  the  Christian  experiences  from 
darkness  to  light,  and  from  summer  to  winter,  in 
calms  and  tempests,  the  Sun  of  Righteousness  still 
continues  the  same  ;  and  it  is  the  same  wisdom 
which  leads  him  to  hide  and  to  unveil  his  face. 
But  the  Christian  is  at  first  ready  to  imagine  that 
the  cliangcs  in  his  feelings  proceed  from  changes  in 
Christ ;  as  those  who  do  not  consider  the  motion 
of  the  earth  fancy  that  the  sun  really  rises  and 
sets. 

I  would  say  to  all  Christians,  then,  Never  distrust 
the  kindness,  the  love,  the  wisdom,  and  faithfulness 


MISCELLANEOUS.  221 

of  your  Savior ;  but  confide  in  him  who  hath 
promised  that  all  things  shall  work  together  for 
your  good.  Though  you  may  not  now  know  what 
he  is  doing,  you  shall  know  hereafter.  You  will 
see  the  reason  of  all  the  trials  and  temptations,  the 
dark  and  comfortless  hours,  the  distressing  doubts 
and  fears,  the  long  and  tedious  conflicts  with  which 
you  are  now  exercised,  and  you  will  be  convinced 
that  not  a  sigh,  not  a  tear,  not  a  single  uneasy 
thought  was  allotted  you  without  some  wise  and 
gracious  design.  Say  not,  then,  like  Joseph  of  old, 
"  All  these  things  are  against  me  ;  "  say  not,  like 
David,  '■  I  shall  one  day  perish  by  the  hand  of 
Saul ; "  for  all  these  things  are  for  your  good,  and 
you  shall  never  perish,  neither  shall  any  pluck  you 
out  of  Christ's  hand.  Why  should  you,  who  are 
one  of  the  sons  of  the  King  of  heaven,  be  lean 
and  discontented  fi-om  day  to  day  ?  Remember, 
that  if  you  are  in  the  path  of  the  just,  you  are  the 
heir  of  God,  and  joint  heir  with  Christ  of  an  in- 
heritance incorruptible,  eternal,  and  that  fadeth  not 
away.  Be  not  discouraged  at  the  small  progress 
you  appear  to  make,  or  the  difficulties  you  may 
meet  with.  Wait  on  the  Lord  in  the  diligent  use 
of  his  appointed  means,  and  he  will  strengthen 
your  hearts,  so  that  you  shall  mount  up  as  on 
eagle's  wings ;  you  shall  run  and  not  be  weary, 
you  shall  walk  and  not  faint. 

PARDON. 

"  And  their  sins  and  iniquities  will  I  remember  no  more." 
Heb.  X.  17. 

"XiriLT  thou  remember,  then,  no  more, 

' '      Father  of  light  and  love  1 
Emboldened  by  thy  gracious  words, 
I  plead  to  thee  above. 


222  MISCELLANEOUS. 

Emboldened  by  thy  call,  to  those 
Weak,  trembling  sinners  given, 

I  dare  aijproach  that  holy  throne, 
Where  dwells  the  God  of  heaven. 

Yet  dare  I  not  thus  boldly  come, 

For  guilty-stained  am  I, 
Without  the  thought  of  that  dear  Lord 

Who  died  on  Calvary  ;  — 

Who  died  for  me  and  all  the  world. 
To  save  from  Adam's  loss  ; 

To  cleanse  our  sins  in  that  red  stream 
Still  flowing  from  the  cross. 

'Tis  this,  O  Lord,  that  brings  me  here 

Before  thy  feet  to  bow ; 
'Tis  this  hath  raised  my  guilty  heart 

Tc  ask  a  Savior  now. 

Iniquities  and  sins  like  mine 
No  earthly  fount  can  clear ; 

But  in  the  stream  of  Jesus'  blood 
They  quickly  disappear. 

'Tis  there  I  seek  for  pardon  sure, 
'Tis  there  the  world  defy,  — 

In  that  pure  stream  of  grace  and  love, 
Shed  on  Mount  Calvary. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  223 

I  look  for  pardon  and  for  grace  ; 

Temptation  powerless  lies ; 
And  Satan  trembles,  as  he  knows 

For  us  the  Savior  dies. 

Vain  the  attempt  to  bid  me  doubt 
The  way  to  heaven's  bright  shore ; 

For  God,  through  Christ,  remembers  sins, 
Iniquities,  no  more. 

ON   THE    COMFORT     DERIVED    FROM    THE     BIBLE. 

NEVER  was  there  a  more  correct  estimate  put 
upon  the  cheering  influence  of  the  Bible,  amid 
the  wreck  of  our  earthly  joys  and  the  breaking  up 
of  our  earthly  tabernacle,  than  that  which  was  once 
given  by  a  poor  woman  who  had  received  a  copy 
of  the  Bible  from  the  Bible  Society.  Upon  being 
asked  by  some  one  what  value  she  set  upon  it,  her 
reply  was,  "  I  would  not  take  for  it  all  this  Avorld 
could  offer;  for  since  I  received  the  Bible,  I  have 
been  called  to  pass  through  great  trials  ;  and  in 
these  trials,  this  blessed  book  has  given  me  that 
comfort  which  the  world  and  all  its  wealth  could 
not ;  it  hath  given  me  a  hope,  through  that  Savior 
whom  it  reveals,  of  eternal  life  beyond  the  grave. 
This  hope  has  made  my  sufferings  appear  light,  to 
what  they  would  have  been  if  my  hope  had  been 
in  this  life  only." 

If  such  the  sweetness  of  the  stream, 

"What  will  that  fountain  be. 
Where  saints  and  angels  draw  their  bliss 

Immediately  from  thee  1 


224  MISCELLANEOUS. 

"When  the  dying  believer  has  committed  his  soul 
to  God,  like  this  poor  woman,  and  inti"usted  his 
present  and  eternal  interests  in  his  hands  who  has 
promised  "  to  keep  him  until  that  day,"  he  has 
nothing  to  fear  from  the  principalities  and  powers 
of  evil.  He  has  nothing  to  alarm  him  on  being 
told  that  he  must  shortly  leave  a  world  of  trouble, 
and  a  sickly  body,  to  dwell  forever  where  the  in- 
habitant shall  not  say,  "  I  am  sick."  He  has  laid 
help  on  one  mighty  to  save  him  in  his  last  awful 
hour,  and  that  "of  the  power  of  darkness."  He 
has  friends  around  him  who  are  pledged  to  take 
care  of,  and  give  a  peaceful  resting-place  to.  hig 
poor  crumbling  tabernacle  of  clay ;  and  he  has  a 
Friend  greater  than  them  all,  who  is  watching  over 
and  taking  care  of  that  precious  jewel,  his  soul, 
and  no  man  shall  pluck  it  out  of  his  hands.  He 
may  still  look  forward  to  the  solemnities  of  a  dy- 
ing hour  with  a  pensive  sadness,  and  even  with 
those  sentiments  of  apprehension  which  tell  him, 
"  it  is  a  fearful  thing  to  die  ;  "  but  his  language  is, 
"  I  will  fear  no  evil,  for  thou  art  with  me ;  thy  rod 
and  thy  staff  they  comfort  me." 

To  one  thus  circumstanced,  hope  clings  as  the 
andior  of  his  soul,  sure  and  steadfast,  and  faith 
covers  him  as  his  shield  and  buckler,  to  repel  the 
fiery  darts  of  the  wicked  one ;  so  that  he  can  feel 
a  something  within  that  persuades  him  that  neither 
death,  nor  life,  nor  angels,  nor  principalities,  nor 
powers,  nor  things  present,  nor  things  to  come, 
nor  height,  nor  depth,  nor  any  other  creature,  shall 
be  able  to  separate  him  from  the  love  of  God,  which 
is  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord." 

Read  the  2d  Hymn,  "  Father  of  mercies !  in  thy 
Word." 


MISCELLANEOUS.  225 


CHRIST    OUR    CONFIDENCE. 

THE  Savior  is  worthy  the  confidence  of  his  peo- 
ple :  and  this  not  only  in  his  character  as 
Mediator,  but  in  the  perfection  of  his  works ;  for 
what  he  is  to  himself,  he  is  to  his  people.  Delight- 
ful thought !  There  is  not  an  imaginable  neces- 
sity, but  for  which  there  is  an  abundant  source  in 
the  Lamb  that  was  slain.  Are  you  guilty  1  stung 
with  remorse  for  the  past,  and  trembling  with  ap- 
prehension for  the  future  ?  Do  you  see  angry  Om- 
nipotence rising  before  you,  and  brandishing  his 
destructive  sword  1  The  Lamb  becomes  your 
Friend,  There  is  no  guilt  he  cannot  pardon,  no 
impurity  which  he  cannot  cleanse ;  and  your  sins 
shall,  through  the  ablution  of  his  blood,  be  as 
though  they  had  never  been.  Does  sin  gain  the 
victory  over  you,  and  under  the  burden  of  an  ac- 
cusing conscience  do  you  drop  the  silent  tear  ? 
The  Lamb  is  your  Friend.  Jesus  has  promised, 
"  sin  shall  not  have  dominion  over  you  ;  "  he  will 
supply  you  with  adequate  grace,  and  will  enable 
you  to  ovei'come.  Are  you  the  subject  of  afflic- 
tion 1  Jesus,  the  Lamb,  is  your  Friend.  Has  the 
storm  beaten  on  your  naked  bosom  1  has  wave  after 
wave  rolled  over  your  head  1  Have  thy  little  ones 
been  taken  from  thee  1  or  hast  thou  consigned  to 
the  tomb  the  wife  of  thy  bosom  ?  or  hast  thou 
taken  thy  station  at  the  grave  of  those  whom  thou 
most  lovedst  1  or  hast  thou  wept  at  the  recollection 
of  joys  which  can  never  return  1  Art  thou  bowing 
the  head  like  a  bulrush  to  the  storm  1  The  Lamb 
that  was  slain  is  thine  unchanging  Friend  ;  he  is  a 
Bi'other  born  for  adversity;  he  is  a  Friend  that 
sticketh  closer  than  a  brother.  He  combines  all 
15 


226  MISCELLANEOUS. 

that  is  powerful  to  save  with  all  that  is  sympa- 
thetic to  feel.  Are  you  looking  down  in  the  grave, 
and  into  all  the  realities  of  eternity  1  Do  you  re- 
coil from  the  prospect  of  entering  on  the  margin 
of  the  eternal  world  ?  Jesus  is  thy  Friend  ;  taking 
his  station  by  thy  side,  he  declares  that  "  he  is  the 
resurrection  and  the  life  ;  "  that  he  "  has  the  keys 
of  hell  and  death  ; "  opening  the  door,  he  bids  thee 
go  down,  and  promises  that  he  will  raise  thee  up 
again.  In  short,  the  Savior  is  worthy  of  all  the 
confidence  of  his  people.  Eor  every  situation  of 
life  —  in  health  and  in  sickness,  in  liberty  and  in 
bondage,  in  prosperity  and  in  adversity,  under 
every  aspect  of  trouble,  and  in  the  very  agonies  of 
death  —  the  Lamb  is  worthy  your  confidence  and 
your  love. 

Read  the  144th  Hymn,  "How firm  a  foundation, 
ye  saints  of  the  Lord." 

DlFrERENCE  BETWEEN  THE  RIGHTEOUS  AND 
THE  WICKEB. 

THE  Lord,  in  his  wisdom,  sometimes  afflicts  and 
sometimes  prospers  both  the  righteous  and  the 
wdcked,  without  any  exact  discrimination.  The 
difference  between  them,  as  to  present  happiness, 
arises  not  from  outward  causes,  but  from  the  in- 
ward supports  and  consolations  which  the  right- 
eous enjoy,  and  the  benefit  they  derive  from  their 
varied  trials  and  mercies  ;  and  from  the  inward  re- 
morse and  terrors  which  wicked  men  experience, 
and  their  growing  more  daring  in  impiety  under 
the  several  dispensations  of  providence. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  227 


VOLTAIRE. 

IT  was  when  the  awful  realities  of  a  future  world 
flashed  in  all  their  terrors  on  the  unbelieving 
soul  of  Voltaire,  in  the  last  wretched  moments  of 
his  existence,  that  he  was  heard  to  declare  to  his 
physician,  "  that  he  would  give  his  fortune  to  have 
his  life  prolonged  half  a  year." 

PRATER. 

"pRAYEE,  moves  the  hand  that  moves  all 
-L  things."  If  we  have  the  ear  of  God,  we  are 
sure  of  the  hand  of  God.  0,  then,  pray  for  the 
Holy  Ghost  —  the  spirit  of  prayer.  Without  him, 
we  are  without  love,  without  humility,  without 
fervor,  without  spirituality.  It  is  Avhen  we  pray 
"  with  all  prayer  and  supplication  in  the  spirit,"  it 
is  then  that  we  pray  heartily  and  effectually.  Then 
it  is  that  the  love  of  God  will  d^vell  richly  with  us, 
and  that  we  will  shine  in  all  the  beauties  of  holi- 
ness ;  reflecting  the  image  of  Him  with  whom  we 
are  in  the  habit  of  constant  intercourse  and  com- 
munion. We  will  be  holy  "  in  all  manner  of  con- 
versation," and  be  "  fruitful  in  every  good  word 
and  work ; "  "  living  not  to  ourselves,  but  to  Him 
who  died  for  us  and  rose  a£:ain." 


HOLINESS. 

THE  BEAUTY  OF  A  HOLT  LIFE  CONSTITUTES  A 
MOST  ELOQUENT  AND  POW^ERFUL  PERSUASIVE 
TO  RELIGION.  ThERE  IS  AN  ENERGY  OF  MORAL 
SUASION  IN  A  GOOD  MAn's  LIFE  PASSING  THE 
HIGHEST     EFFORTS     OF     THE     ORATOR'S    GENIUS. 


228  miscellaneous. 

The  seen  but  silent  beauty  of  holiness 
speaks  most  eloquently  of  god  and  piety. 
And  the  best  inheritance  a  parent  can 
bequeath  a  child,  is  an  example  of  con- 
sistent virtue  and  piety. 

The  universal  command  of  the  gospel  is,  (and 
this  comprises  all  our  duties,)  to  walk  as  Christ 
walked. 

11  HE  great  end  of  religion  is,  to  make  us  like  God, 
and  to  conduct  us  to  the  enjoyment  of  him. 

AS  much  as  lies  in  thy  power,  shun  worldly  com 
pany  ;  for  much  conversation  on  worldly  affairs, 
however  innocently  managed,  greatly  retards  the 
progress  of  the  spiritual  life. 

CHRISTIANS    SHOULD    BE    HAPPY. 

NOW  that  Christians  are  reconciled  to  God,  it  is 
their  privilege  to  serve  him  with  joy  and  glad- 
ness ;  not  in  the  spirit  of  fear,  but  in  the  spirit  of 
adoption,  whereby  they  cry,  Abba,  Father,  and  are 
enabled  to  love  God  as  children  love  their  father. 

LOVE    OF    GOD    TO    THE    CHRISTIAN 

GOD  is  the  Christiaa's  reconciled  God  and  Fa- 
ther; and  the  affection  of  the  most  ardent, 
earthly  parent  is  not  to  be  compared  with  the  love 
which  his  heavenly  Father  exercises  towards  him. 
The  watchfulness  and  solicitude  of  the  most  aflfec- 
tionate  earthly  parent  for  the  child  of  his  hopes 
affords  but  a  faint  idea  of  the  Avatchful  solicitude 
with  which  his  heavenly  Father  regards  him,,  his 
adopted  son  in  Christ.    And  the  pleasures  and  the 


MISCELLANEOUS.  229 

glory  of  the  world  are  not  worthy  of  a  comparison 
with  those  transcendent  blessings  to  which  he  is  an 
heir.  He  is  a  joint  heir  with  the  Son  of  God,  and 
he  hath  gone  before  to  take  possession  of  the  prom- 
ised inheritance,  and  shall  share  with  him  in  a 
kingdom  that  shall  never  be  moved  — a  crown  of 
glory  that  fadeth  not  away. 

THE    DIVINE    GOODNESS. 

NOTHING  can  be  of  greater  importance,  either 
to  the  liveliness  and  vigor,  or  even  to  the  very 
substance  and  being,  of  religion,  than  ?l  fixed,  stable 
apprehension  of  the  divine  goodness.  That  religion 
is  nothing,  the  soul  whereof  is  not  love.  But  that 
love  may  be  the  soul  of  it,  there  must  be  a  con- 
stant apprehension  of  the  loveliness  of  the  object. 
Labor,  then,  to  have  your  souls  possessed  always 
with  a  deep  and  fixed  apprehension  of  the  divine 
goodness.  Contemplate  it  in  every  thing  you  be- 
hold, in  every  thing  you  enjoy  ;  yea,  in  the  lessen- 
ing and  qualifying  of  those  evils  that  you  suffer. 
Go  up  and  down  in  this  world  with  hearts  full  of 
this  thought,  "  the  whole  earth  is  full  of  his  good- 
ness." Collect  all  the  instances  you  can  of  the 
goodness  of  God,  and  keep  by  that  means  such  an 
apprehension  alive  and  in  vigor  concerning  him. 
What  a  mighty  spring  would  this  be  of  cheerful 
and  joyful  religion  !  Let  no  thought  arise  but  that 
it  meet  with  a  seasonable  check,  if  it  tend  to  any 
diminution  of  the  divine  goodness. 


S30  MISCELLANEOUS. 


DEATH    OF    THE    GOOD. 

ORIGINAL. 

\  S  calmly  sinks  the  setting  sun 

To  realms  of  gold  in  gorgeous  skies, 
When  day  and  all  its  toils  are  done,  — 
In  glorious  peace,  the  good  man  dies. 

As  glow  the  stars,  when  darkness  falls, 
To  cheer  the  close  of  fading  day, 

So,  brightening  hopes,  when  death  appalls. 
From  heaven  gleam  to  light  his  way. 

As  peaceful  clouds  along  the  sky 
Retain  the  glories  of  the  sun  ; 

In  memory  bright  are  floating  by 
His  deeds  of  love  in  meekness  done. 

He  dies  !  —  as,  passed  the  dreary  night, 
The  sun  'mid  streams  of  light  appears  ; 

So,  passed  the  vale,  a  holier  light 
Bespeaks  the  glorious  crown  he  wears. 

O  Thou,  who  art  enthroned  on  high  ! 

To  me  thy  saving  grace  be  given 
To  live,  and  like  the  good  man  die; 

Like  him,  be  crowned  of  thee  in  heaven. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  231 

THE   LAND    WHICH   NO   MORTAL    MAT   KNOW. 
By  B.  Barton. 

rpHOUGH  earth  has  full  many  a  beautiful  spot, 
■^     As  the  poet  or  painter  might  show  ; 
Yet  more  lovely  and  beautiful,  holy  and  bright, 
To  the  hopes  of  the  heart,  and  the  spirit's  glad 
sight, 
Is  the  land  which  no  mortal  may  know. 

There  the  crystalline  stream,  bursting  forth  from 
the  throne, 

Flows  on,  and  forever  will  flow  ; 
Its  waves,  as  they  roll,  are  with  melody  rife, 
And  its  waters  are  sparkling  with  beauty  and  life, 

In  the  laud  which  no  mortal  may  know. 

And  there,  on  its  margin,  with  leaves  ever  green, 
With  fruits  healing  sickness  and  woe. 

The  fair  Tree  of  Life,  in  its  glory  spread  wide. 

Is  fed  by  the  deep,  inexhaustible  tide. 
On  the  land  which  no  mortal  may  know. 

There,  too,  are  the  lost !  —  whom  we  loved  on  this 
earth, 

With  whose  memory  our  bosoms  still  glow  ! 
Their  relics  we  gave  to  the  place  of  the  dead, 
But  their  glorified  spirits  before  us  have  fled 

To  the  land  which  no  mortal  may  know. 


232  MISCELLANEOUS. 

There  tlie  orb  of  night,  and  the  fountain  of  day, 

Nor  beauty  nor  splendor  bestow  ; 
But  the  presence  of  Him,  the  unchanging  I  AM, 
And  the  holy,  the  pure,  the  immaculate  Lamb, 

Light  the  land  which  no  mortal  may  know. 

ASSURANCE. 

OAID  the  excellent  Rev.  Mr.  Richmond  to  his 
O  daughter,  "  See  how  holily  and  lovingly  Arch- 
bishop Leighton  walked  with  God,  because  he 
assuredly  believed  that  his  salvation  was  safe.  Try 
to  have  such  assurance.  How  much  better  to  look 
out  of  self,  and  see  all  perfected  in  Christ !  You 
will  never  be  happy  and  strong  till  you  do  so.  Live 
upon  Christ ;  he  has  done  all  for  you,  if  you  could 
but  believe  it." 

STRONG    FAITH   RECOMMENDED. 

GOD  is  pleased  when,  Avith  the  sense  of  our  own 
sinfulness,  we  wrap  up  ourselves  in  the  garments 
of  Christ's  righteousness,  and  go  boldly  before  his 
throne  of  grace. 

GOD  THE  CHIEF  SOURCE  OF  COMFORT. 

(^OD,  in  Christ,  is  the  ocean  of  all  sweetness  and 
I  pleasure,  in  comparison  with  whom,  all  the 
pleasures  that  are,  or  ever  were  in  the  world, 
amount  not  to  the  proportion  of  a  drop ;  and  for 
quality,  the  essence  of  them  is  but  bitterness  it- 
self. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  233 


SAFETY   OF    THE    CHRISTIAN. 

THE  Lord  is  ours,  and  we  are  his.  We  have  an 
interest  in  his  glorious  essence  and  attributes. 
In  his  omnipotence,  that  is  our  safety  :  by  it  Ave  are 
more  secure  than  if  all  the  hosts  of  heaven  and 
earth  did  surround  us.  And  if  we  could  use  faith 
when  we  seem  most  deserted  in  the  world,  we 
might  see  more  with  us  than  against  us  ;  we  might 
behold,  with  Elisha's  servant,  "  the  mountains  full 
of  horses  and  chariots  of  fire  about  us." 

FEAR   OP    GOD. 

THE  fear  of  God,  says  Leighton,  is  not  a  doubt- 
ing and  distrust  of  his  love.  On  the  contrary, 
it  is  a  fixed  resting  and  trusting  in  it.  Many  are, 
through  weakness,  filled  with  fears.  This  is  both 
unpleasant  to  them  and  to  God.  The  best  way  is 
to  exercise  strong  faith  in  God  ;  being  most  afraid 
to  offend  him,  delighting  to  walk  in  his  ways,  lov- 
ing him  and  his  will  in  all,  and  then  resting  per- 
suaded of  his  love,  though  he  afflicts  us.  Let  my 
soul  roll  itself  on  him,  and  adventure  there  all  its 
weight.  He  bears  greater  matters  ;  upholding  the 
frame  of  heaven  and  earth,  and  is  not  troubled  nor 
burdened  by  it. 

HEAVEN. 

HEAVEN  is  not  so  much  local  as  we  imagine. 
Communion  with  God  is  heaven,  and  happiness, 
and  eternal  life.  He  that  hath  communion  Avith 
God  is  in  heaven  while  he  is  on  earth ;  and  if  a 
man  could  be  there  without  this,  he  would  Avant 
heaven,  even  in  heaven.     There  is  no  essential  dif- 


234  MISCELLANEOUS. 

ference  between  happiness  on  earth  and  happiness 
in  heaven  ;  they  differ  but  in  degree.  If  a  man  on 
earth  oould  enjoy  perfect  communion  with  God,  he 
would  be  perfectly  happy. 

A   SAINT  THE     TEMPLE    OF   GOD. 

A  SAINT  is  the  temple  of  God,  and  every  part 
of  him  is  dedicated  and  consecrated  to  God. 
Our  body,  that  is  the  outer  court  j  our  soul,  that 
is  the  holy  place  ;  our  spirit,  that  is  the  holy  of 
holies.  God  is  most  in  this,  and  manifests  himself 
most  gloriously  in  it.  This  is  my  resting-place ; 
here  will  I  dwell.  All  the  faculties  of  our  soul  and 
members  of  our  body  must  be  weapons  and  instru- 
ments of  righteousness. 

THE    BODY    THE    ONLY  PARTITION  BETWEEN  GOD 
AND    THE    CHRISTIAN. 

niHERE  is  nothing  but  the  partiti®n  of  the  body 
-L  between  God  and  the  Christian,  and  there  are 
many  windows  in  that,  by  which  God  passes  to 
them  and  they  to  God,  whereas  others  are  stran- 
gers and  aliens  from  him.  .  .  .  There  are  streams 
of  comfort  conveyed  to  them  in  ordinances,  pi'om- 
ises,  and  privileges,  of  which  they  only  have  the 
actual  enjoyment,  and  the  joy  resulting  therefi*om 
is  unspeakable  —  a  joy,  a  peace,  that  passeth  un- 
derstanding. 

THE  Christian  is  a  palace  of  the  Prince 
OF  Peace.  He  is  a  temple  of  the  Lord 
of  all.  Every  one  should  honor  and  reverb 
him.  He  is  "  the  noblest  avork  of  God," 
and  as  such,  should  be  regarded.  When 
dead,  his  memory  will  be  held  in  honor. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  235 


CONSEQUENCES   OF   VICE. 

PHYSICIANS  can  testify  from  observation,  that 
by  far  the  greater  portion  of  humaii  distress  is 
the  result  of  intemperance,  vice,  ambition,  and  evil 
habits.  O  the  lacerations  of  mind,  the  misery  of 
body,  the  lashings  of  conscience,  the  bitterness  of 
remorse,  that  characterize  the  last  days  of  the  liber- 
tine, the  sensualist,  and  the  voluptuary !  The  idea 
of  "  a  short  life  and  a  merry  one,"  though  it  may 
seem  well  in  theory,  fails  in  practice. 

"  Those  wounds  heal   ill  which  men   do  give 
themselves." 

ELECTION. 

THE  elect  of  God  are  those  who  are  chosen  by 
him  out  of  the  world,  and  conditionally  admit- 
ted into  covenant  with  him.  Into  this  covenant 
they  are  called  by  his  Word,  his  Spirit,  his  minis- 
try, and  his  ordinances.  Its  privileges  they  are 
liable  to  forfeit ;  for  which  reason  St.  Paul  exhorts 
them  to  "  give  all  diligence  to  make  their  calling 
and  election  sure."  But,  sincere  in  his  purposes 
of  mercy  towards  them,  the  Lord  enables  them  by 
his  grace  (which  must  be  daily  prayed  for)  to  obey 
his  call.  No  secret  will  opposes  his  declared  will 
that  all  men  should  be  saved.  No  decree  of  his 
power  selects  certain  individuals  to  salvation,  and 
excludes  others  ;  nor  determines  the  eternal  destiny 
of  the  human  race,  independently  of  those  deeds 
done  in  the  body,  by  which  he  declares  all  men 
shall  be  judged.  No ;  it  was  the  eternal  purpose 
of  his  mercy,  in  his  Son  Jesus  Christ,  to  render 
salvation  possible  to  all  men,  and  finally  to  choose 
or  reject  them,  according  to  the  improvement  which 


236  MISCELLANEOUS 

tlicy  shall  have  made  of  the  talents  and  the  grace 
given  ujito  them.  Let  all  Christians,  therefore, 
take  heed,  lest  a  promise  being  made  them  of  en- 
tering into  God's  rest,  they  fall  short ;  take  heed 
lest,  called  to  be  heirs  of  heaven,  they  forfeit  its 
glories. 

"  Vain  are  our  fancies,  vain  our  flights, 
If  faith  be  cold  and  dead ; 
None  but  a  lining  power  unites 
To  Christ,  the  living  Head." 

Said  the  Rev.  Mr.  Flavel,  "  The  ivay  for  men  to 
discern  their  names  written  in  the  booh  of  life  is  hy 
reading  the  icorh  of  sanctification  in  their  hearts.  I 
desire  no  miraculous  voice  from  heaven,  no  extraor- 
dinary signs,  or  unscriptural  informations,  in.  this 
matter.  Let  me  find  my  heart  obeying  the  will  of 
my  God ;  sin  my  burden,  and  Christ  my  desire  ;  I 
will  never  desire  a  surer  evidence  of  his  electing 
love  to  my  soul ;  and  if  I  had  an  oracle  from  heav- 
en, an  extraordinary  messenger  from  the  other 
world,  to  tell  me  that  '  God  loves  me,'  I  have  no 
reason  to  credit  such  a  voice  whilst  I  find  my  heart 
wholly  sensual,  averse  to  his  requirements,  and  in- 
disposed to  all  that  is  spiritual," 

HE  that  loves  God,  says  Leighton,  may  be  sure 
that  he  was  loved  first ;  and  he  that  chooses 
God  for  his  delight  and  portion  may  conclude  con- 
fidently that  God  hath  chosen  him  to  be  one  of 
those  that  shall  enjoy  him,  and  be  happy  in  him 
forever  ;  for  that  our  love  and  electing  of  him  is 
but  the  return  and  repercussion  of  the  beams  of  his 
love  shining  upon  us. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  237 


INFLUENCE    OF    CHRISTIAN     HOPE. 

WHILST  our  thoughts  and  affections  are  set  on 
things  above,  worldly  prosperity  will  not 
greatly  elevate,  nor  worldly  adversity  depress ;  the 
one  will  not  intoxicate,  the  other  will  not  destroy. 

The  Christian's  great  treasure  knows  no  decay. 
His  most  valuable  possession  is  not  liable  to  the 
contingencies  to  which  all  earthly  things  are  sub- 
ject. He  is  hastening  to  an  incoriaiptible  inherit- 
ance —  a  kingdom  that  cannot  be  moved. 

'•A  hope  so  much  divine 
May  trials  well  endure." 

You,  who  know  that  yon  have  in  heaven  a  better 
and  enduring  substance,  who  are  sure  of  a  place  at 
God's  right  hand,  —  a  mansion  in  the  skies,  a  bower 
in  paradise,  a  seat  in  glory,  a  repose  in  Abraham's 
bosom,  an  asylum,  a  refuge,  a  house,  a  shelter  in 
eternity ;  yon  who  are  going  to  the  general  assem- 
bly and  church  of  the  first  born,  to  the  innumer- 
able company  of  angels,  to  Jesus  the  Mediator  of 
the  new  covenant,  to  God  the  Judge  of  all,  to  the 
general  gathering  of  the  called  and  faithful,  — you 
can  afford  a  few  trials  by  the  way.  You  can  smile 
at  the  transient  storm,  remembering  the  haven  for 
which  you  are  bound.  Your  little  bark  may  feel 
the  dash  and  fury  of  the  storm  ;  but  her  anchor  is 
cast  within  the  haven,  and  she  will  outride  the  bil- 
lows and  defy  their  rage.  The  believer  hath  cast 
anchor  in  heaven,  and  though  he  m.ay  suffer  fi-om 
the  storms  of  life,  he  cannot  be  a  wreck. 

You,  who  are  trees  of  righteousness,  the  planting 
of  the  Lord,  may  bend  before  the  blast  as  it  whis- 
tles and  howls  around  you,  but  you  shall  not  be 


238  MISCELLANEOUS. 

broken  by  it.  Let  winds  blow  and  tempests  roar, 
tliey  will  take  away  nothing  but  leaves  ;  the  tree  is 
safe,  and  can  neither  be  shivered  nor  torn  up,  be- 
ing fast  rooted  by  the  throne  of  God,  and  the  fruit 
it  bears  is  unto  life  eternal.  So  we  hear  the  good  of 
every  age  expressing  and  solacing  themselves, 
amidst  the  fluctuations  of  surrounding  circum- 
stances, and  the  depi-ession  to  which  it  gives  rise. 
David  exclaims,  "  Though  the  mountains  shall  de- 
part and  the  hills  be  removed,"  &c.,&c.  Habakkuk. 
'•  Although  the  fig  tree  shall  not  blossom,  nor  fruit 
be  in  the  vine,  .  .  .  still  will  I  rejoice  in  the  Lord, 
and  joy  in  the  God  of  my  salvation."  St.  Paul, 
"  I  reckon  that  the  sufferings  of  the  present  life  are 
not  worthy  to  be  compared  with  the  glory  that  shall 
be  revealed  in  us."  AH  believers  may  say,  "  We 
are  cast  down,  but  not  destroyed ;  sorrowful,  yet 
always  rejoicing ;  patient  in  tribulation,  yet  joyful 
in  hope.  The  Christian  can  bear  the  loss  of  those 
things  that  perish  in  the  using,  knowing  that  he  has 
a  treasure  in  heaven,  unfading  and  eternal." 

Read  the  147th  Hymn.  "  When  I  can  i-ead  my 
title  clear." 

Read  the  11th  Hymn.  "  Sovereign  Ruler  of  the 
skies." 

Read  the  156th  Hymn.  "  Father,  whate'er  of 
earthly  bliss." 

VIGILANCE    REQUISITE. 

THE  Spirit  in  its  blessed  influences  is  like  a  dove, 
easily  scared  fx'om  its  nest.  Nothing  more  se- 
riously hinders  progress,  and  weakens  and  enervates 
prayer,  as  allowed  evil  in  any  way,  "  If  I  regard 
iniquity  in  my  heart,  the  Lord  will  not  hear  me." 
0,  let  him  who  would  hasten  unto  God,  who  would 


MISCELLANEOUS.  239 

speed  him  along  the  appointed  way,  remember  that 
universal  sincerity  and  uprightness  of  heart  in  the 
service  of  God  is  happiness  ;  that  there  is  an  in- 
timate and  inseparable  connection  between  "  sin- 
gleness of  heart  "  and  "  gladness  of  heart ; "  be- 
tween singleness  of  eye  to  the  glory  of  God  and 
the  cheering  light  of  God's  presence  within  the  soul. 
"  If  thine  eye  be  single,  the  whole  body  shall  be  full 
of  light ;  but  if  the  light  tliat  is  in  thee  be  darkness, 
how  great  is  that  darkness  !  " 

EEEICACY   OF   CHEIST'S   MERITS. 

THOUGH  the  believer  be  unworthy  to  be  heard, 
yet  Christ  is  worthy ;  he  it  is  that  undertakes  to 
present  his  petitions,  and  to  procure  an  answer. 
Believers,  when  they  are  found  praying,  are  found, 
not  as  having  their  own  righteousness,  but  that 
which  is  througli  the  faith  of  Christ  —  that  which 
is  of  God  by  ftiith.  Faith  makes  Christ  yours, 
and  so  his  righteousness  yours ;  it  unites  to  Christ 
as  your  head  —  the  head  and  the  members  are  as 
one  mystical  person.  W/mi  the  Lord  looks  on  you 
he  finds  you  as  having  Christ's  righteousness,  and  that 
is  enough  to  make  both  person  and  prayers  righteous  ; 
to  cover  all  univorthiness  in  either,  that  might  hinder 
acceptance.  Though  Christ  communicates  not  bis 
merits  so  as  we  can  deserve  any  thing,  yet  he  com- 
municates the  efficacy  and  benefits  of  interest  in  his 
merits  ;  so  as,  if  they  be  not  ours,  they  are  for  us  ; 
he  deserves,  he  is  worthy  that  M-e  should  be  heard. 

OXENSTIERN. 

fipHIS  excellent  man  (the  chancellor  of  Sweden) 
-L   was  a  man  of  great  abilities,  and  uncorrupted 


240  MISCELLANEOUS. 

integrity.  So  great  was  the  confidence  reposed  in 
him  by  the  queen,  that  he  was  invested  with  the 
management  of  public  affairs,  and  he  conducted 
himself  with  singular  wisdom  and  uprightness. 
In  the  great  schemes  which  he  formed  for  the  in- 
terests of  his  country,  he  was  very  successful ;  and 
was  higlily  esteemed,  not  only  by  his  countrymen, 
but  by  the  most  eminent  persons  in  Europe. 

This  great  statesman  spent  a  part  of  his  time  in 
I'crtirement,  from  which  he  derived  the  highest  ad- 
vantage. In  his  retreat,  he  was  visited  by  the 
English  ambassador,  and  in  the  conclusion  of  their 
conversation  he  made  the  following  very  interest- 
ing observations  :  "  I  have  seen  much,  and  en- 
joyed much  of  this  world,  but  I  never  knew  how 
to  live  till  now.  I  thank  God  that  he  hath  given 
me  time  to  know  him,  and  to  know  myself.  All 
the  comfort  I  have,  and  which  is  more  than  the 
whole  world  can  give,  is  in  the  enjoyment  of  the 
influences  of  his  Holv  Spirit,  and  in  the  perusal  of 
his  Holy  Word." 

He  then  said  to  the  ambassador,  "  You  are  now 
in  the  prime  of  your  age  and  vigor,  and  in  great 
favor  and  business  ;  but  all  this  will  leave  you,  and 
you  will  one  day  better  understand  and  relish  what 
I  say.  You  will  then  find  that  there  is  more  wis- 
dom, truth,  comfort,  and  pleasure  in  retiring  and 
in  turning  your  heart  from  the  world  to  the  good 
Spirit  of  God,  and  in  reading  the  Bible,  than  in  all 
the  courts  and  favors  of  princes.'* 

These  sentiments  are  the  more  interesting  when 
we  reflect,  that  they  came  from  one  of  the  greatest 
and  wisest  men  of  the  age  ;  when  his  mind  and 
body  were  sound  and  vigorous,  and  when  he  was 
best  able  to  judge  of  human  life,  and  of  tlie  hap- 
piness which  is  to  be  derived  from  religion. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  241 


J.    MASON. 


ANOTHER  strong  testimony  to  the  importance 
of  religion  is  given  by  Sir  John  Mason,  who, 
though  but  sixty-three  years  old  at  his  death,  had 
flourished  in  the  reign  of  four  sovereigns,  had  been 
privy  councillor  to  them  all,  and  an  attentive  ob- 
server of  the  various  revolutions  and  vicissitudes 
of  those  times.  Towards  his  latter  end,  being  on 
his  death  bed.  he  spoke  thus  to  those  about  him  : 
"  I  have  lived  to  see  five  sovereigns,  and  have  been 
privy  counsellor  to  four  of  them.  I  have  seen  the 
most  remarkable  things  in  foreign  parts,  and  have 
been  present  at  most  state  transactions  for  the  last 
thirty  years  ;  and  I  have  learned  from  the  expe- 
rience of  this  length  of  time,  that  seriousness  is  the 
greatest  wisdom,  temperance  the  best  physic,  and 
a  good  conscience  the  best  estate.  And  were  I  to 
live  again,  I  would  change  the  court  for  a  cloister, 
a  privy  councillor's  bustle  for  a  hermit's  retirement, 
and  the  whole  life  I  have  lived  in  the  palace  for  an 
hour's  enjoyment  of  God  in  the  chapel.  All  things 
now  forsake  me,  except  my  God,  my  duty,  and  my 
prayers." 

From  the  regret  expressed  by  Sir  J.  Mason,  it 
appears  that  his  error  consisted,  not  in  having 
served  his  king  and  country  in  the  eminent  stations 
in  which  he  had  been  placed,  but  in  having  suffered 
his  mind  to  be  so  much  occupied  with  business  as 
to  make  him  neglect,  in  some  degree,  the  proper 
seasons  of  religious  retirement,  and  the  prime 
duties  which  he  owed  to  his  Creator. 

'*pOR  my  own  part,"  said  Mrs.  Hannah  More, 
J-    "  the  more  I  see  of  the  honored,  famed,  and 
16 


242  MISCELLANEOUS. 

great,  the  more  I  see  of  the  littleness  and  unsatis- 
factoriness  of  all  created  good,  and  that  no  earthly 
pleasure  can  fill  up  the  wants  of  the  soul." 

SALMASIU8. 

WHEN  this  eminently  learned  man  arrived  at 
the  evening  of  his  days,  and  found  leisure  to 
reflect  seriously  on  the  great  end  of  his  being,  he 
acknowledged  that  he  had  been  too  much  and  too 
earnestly  engaged  in  literary  pursuits,  and  had 
greatly  overlooked  those  objects  in  which  true  and 
solid  happiness  consists.  "  O,"  said  he,  "  I  have 
lost  an  immense  portion  of  time —  time,  that  most 
precious  thing  in  the  world  !  Had  I  but  one  year 
more,  it  would  be  spent  in  studying  the  Psalms  and 
the  Epistles  of  St.  Paul.  0  sirs,'"  said  he  to  those 
about  him,  "  mmd  the  ivorld  less,  and  God  more. 
'  The  fear  of  the  Lord,  that  is  ivisdom,  and  to  depart 
from  evil,  that  is  understanding.^  " 

JOHN    LOCKE. 

Q  AID  the  celebrated  John  Locke,  "  This  life  is  a 
1^  scene  of  vanity,  which  soon  passes  away,  and 
aft'ords  no  solid  satisfaction  but  in  the  conscious- 
ness of  doing  well,  and  in  the  hopes  of  another 
life.  This  is  what  I  can  say  upon  experience,  and 
what  will  be  found  to  be  true  when  the  account  is 
made  up." 

JAMES    HERVET. 

THE  last  illness  of  this  truly  excellent  man  com- 
menced in  the  autumn  of  the  year  1758,  and  in 
a  few  months  made  a  great  and  affecting  progress. 
His  strength  became  exhausted,  his  body  extremely 


MISCELLANEOUS.  243 

emaciated,  and  his  whole  frame  so  sore  that  he 
could  scarcely  bear  to  be  touched,  when  it  was 
necessary  to  move  him.  Yet  under  all  this  ca- 
lamity, he  was  ever  praising  God  for  his  mercies, 
and  for  enduing  him  with  patience.  About  three 
hours  before  his  death,  he  strongly  and  affection- 
ately urged  a  friend  of  his  Avho  was  present  to  pay 
all  due  attention  to  the  care  of  his  everlasting  con- 
cerns. He  entreated  him  not  to  be  overcharged 
with  the  cares  of  this  life,  but  to  attend,  amidst  the 
multiplicity  of  his  business,  to  the  "  one  thing 
needful."  The  physician,  observing  the  great  dif- 
ficulty and  pain  with  which  he  spoke,  desired  that 
he  would  spare  himself.  "  No,"  said  he,  '•  doctor, 
no.  You  tell  me  I  have  but  a  few  moments  to  live. 
O,  let  me  spend  them  in  adoring  our  great  Ke- 
deemer."  He  then  repeated  the  verse,  "  Though 
my  flesh  and  my  heart  fail  me,  yet  God  is  the 
strength  of  my  heart,  and  my  portion  forever ; " 
and  he  expatiated  in  a  most  striking  manner  on 
these  words  of  the  apostle,  "  All  things  are  yours, 
life  and  death,  for  ye  are  Christ's."  "  Here."  said 
he,  '•  is  the  treasure  of  a  Christian.  Death  is  reck- 
oned in  this  inventory,  and  a  noble  treasure  it  is. 
How  thankful  am  I  for  death,  as  it  is  the  passage 
through  which  I  go  to  the  Lord  and  Giver  of  eter- 
nal life,  and  as  it  frees  me  from  all  the  misery  you 
now  see  me  endure,  and  which  I  am  willing  toen- 
dure  as  long  as  God  thinks  fit ;  for  I  know  he  will 
in  his  own  good  time  dismiss  me  from  the  body. 
These  light  afiiictions  are  but  for  a  moment,  and 
then  comes  an  eternal  weight  of  glory.  O,  wel- 
come, welcome,  death  !  Thou  mayest  well  be  reck- 
oned among  the  treasures  of  the  Chi-istian.  •  To 
live  is  Christ,  but  to  die  is  gain.'  " 

After  these  expressions  as  the  doctor  was  taking 


244  MISCELLANEOUS. 

his  final  leave  of  him,  the  dying  saint  expressed 
great  gratitude  for  his  visits  and  attention,  though 
it  had  long  been  out  of  the  power  of  medicines 
to  cure  him.  He  then  paused  a  little  ;  and  being 
raised  in  a  chair,  he,  with  great  serenity  and  sweet- 
ness of  countenance,  though  the  pangs  of  death 
were  upon  him,  repeated  these  words  :  "  Lord,  now 
lettest  thou  thy  servant  depart  in  peace,  according 
to  thy  holy  and  most  comfortable  word  ;  for  mine 
eyes  have  seen  thy  salvation." 

In  about  an  hour  after  he  had  uttered  these  ex- 
pressions, he  yielded  up  his  pious  soul  to  God 
without  a  sigh  or  struggle,  in  the  forty-fifth  year 
of  his  age. 

DR.   WATTS. 

TWO  or  three  years  before  his  death,  the  active 
and  sprightly  powers  of  his  nature  gradually 
failed  ;  yet  his  trust  in  God,  through  Jesus  the 
Mediator,  remained  unshaken  to  the  last.  He 
was  heard  to  say,  "  I  bless  God,  I  can  lie  down 
with  comfort  at  night,  not  being  solicitous  whether 
I  awake  in  this  world  or  another."  And  again : 
"  I  should  be  glad  to  read  more  ;  yet  not  in  order 
to  be  confirmed  in  the  truth  of  the  Christian  re- 
ligion, or  in  the  truth  of  its  promises,  for  I  believe 
them  enough  to  venture  an  eternity  upon  them." 

When  he  was  almost  worn  out  and  broken  down 
by  his  infirmities,  he  said,  in  conversation  with  a 
friend,  "  I  remember  an  aged  minister  used  to  ob- 
serve that  the  most  learned  and  knowing  Christians, 
when  they  come  to  die,  have  only  the  same  plain 
promises  of  the  gospel  for  their  support  as  the  com- 
mon and  unlearned  ;  and  so  I  find  it.  It  is  the  plain 
promises  of  the  gospel  that  are  my  support ;.  and  I 
bless  God  they  arc  plain  promises,  tliat  do  not  re- 
quire much  labor  and  pains  to  undei'staiid  them." 


MISCELLANEOUS.  245 

At  times,  when  he  found  his  spirit  tending  to 
impatience,  and  ready  to  complain  that  he  could 
only  lead  a  mere  animal  life,  he  would  check  him- 
self thus  :  "  The  business  of  a  Christian  is  to  hear 
the  will  of  God,  as  well  as  to  do  it.  If  I  were  in 
health,  I  ought  to  be  doing  it ;  and  now  it  is  my 
duty  to  bear  it.  The  best  thing  in  obedience,  is  a 
regard  to  the  will  of  God  ;  and  the  way  to  that  is,  to 
have  our  inclinations  and  aversions  as  much  mor- 
tified as  we  can." 

With  so  calm  and  peaceful  a  mind,  so  blessed 
and  lively  a  hope,  did  the  resigned  servant  of 
Christ  wait  for  his  Master's  summons.  He  quietly 
expired  in  the  seventy-fifth  year  of  his  age. 


LINES    ON   THE    DEATH    OF   A    CHILD. 

WRITTEN   BY    ITS    MOTHER. 

TjEAR  child  !  thou  gav'st  one  parting  sigh 
^     "With  that  thy  spirit  fled, 
And  winged  its  flight  on  high  : 

Though  gone,  thou  art  not  dead  ; 
No  tears  nor  prayers  its  flight  could  stay  —^ 
'Twas  Jesus  called :  it  must  obey. 

My  son  !  I  know  that  thou  art  blest  — 
Blest  with  the  saints  in  heaven  ; 

That  thou  hast  early  gone  to  rest,  — 
Sweet  rest,  —  by  Jesus  given. 

Thine  eyes  were  closed  on  earth  in  love, 

To  wake  in  endless  bliss  above. 


246  MISCELLANEOUS, 

But  O,  my  spirits  fail, 

And  feel  a  pang  untold  — 
Thy  ruby  lips  so  pale, 

Thy  blushing  cheek  so  cold, 
And  dim  thine  eyes,  which  once,  so  brighti 
Did  sweetly  bless  thy  mother's  sight. 

To  lay  thy  darling  form. 

So  lovely  e'en  in  death. 
Deep  in  the  cold,  damp  earth. 

To  feed  the  loathsome  worm ; 
Ah  !  anguish  worse  than  twice  to  die, 
And  part  in  pain  and  agony. 

Like  vernal  flower  he  grew, 
Expanding  to  the  rising  morn, 

Bright  gemmed  with  sparkling  dew  — 
The  flower  without  the  thorn  ; 

A  mother's  sweet  and  lovely  flower, 

And  lovelier  blooming  every  hour. 

Alas  !  my  morning  bloom 
Scarce  felt  the  summer's  ray ; 

For  0,  an  unexpected  gloom 
Obscured  the  rising  day. 

A  wintry  cold,  and  withering  blast, 

Low  on  the  ground  its  beauties  cast 

The  blossom  leaves  arc  shed 
That  oped  so  fresh  and  fair, 


MISCELLANEOUS.  247 

The  balmy  fragrance  fled 

That  scented  sweet  the  air. 
And  prostrate  lies  the  lifeless  form, 
A  gentle  victim  of  the  storm. 

But  it  again  shall  rise, 

In  heavenly  beauty  bright, 
To  charm  my  ravished  eyes 

With  glow  of  holy  light. 
To  bloom  unfading  in  the  skies, 
And  drink  the  dews  of  paradise. 

O,  this  is  blest  relief, 

My  drooping  heart  to  cheer ; 
It  soothes  my  burning  grief. 

And  gladdens  every  tear. 
These  eyes  shall  greet  my  darling  then, 
Nor  shed  a  parting  tear  again  ! 

HAPPY  CONDITION  OF  THE  BELIEVER. 

HOW  happy  is  the  state  of  a  believer,  to  have 
a  sure  promise  that  "  all  things  shall  work  to- 
gether for  good  "  in  the  end,  and  in  the  mean  time  a 
sure  refuge  where  to  find  present  relief,  support, 
and  protection !  How  comfortable  is  it,  when  trou- 
ble is  near,  to  know  that  the  Lord  is  near  likewise, 
and  to  commit  ourselves  and  all  our  cares  simply 
to  him,  believing  that  his  eye  is  upon  us  and  his 
ear  open  to  our  prayers !  Under  the  conduct  of 
such  a  Shepherd  we  need  not  fear ;  though  we 
are  called  to  pass  through  fire  and  water,  he  will 


248  MISCELLANEOUS. 

be  with  us,  and  will  show  himself  mighty  in  our 
behalf.  When  means  and  hope  fail,  when  every- 
thing looks  dark  about  us,  when  we  seem  shut  up 
on  every  side,  when  we  are  brought  to  the  lowest 
ebb,  still  our  help  is  in  him  — in  him  to  whom  all 
things  are  possible,  and  who  has  assured  us  that 
we  shall  never  be  forsaken  by  him.  He  is  the  un- 
failing fountam  of  life,  grace,  strength,  and  com- 
fort to  his  people,  and  of  his  fulness  his  children 
receive  according  to  their  occasions ;  so  that,  not 
unfrcquently,  the  hour  of  affliction  is  the  golden 
hour  of  the  greatest  consolation.  Though  circum- 
stances and  creatures  change,  he  will  be  an  un- 
changeable friend.  The  love  and  tenderness  of  ten 
thousand  mothers  toicards  their  sucklings,  if  compared 
■with  his,  are  less  than  a  drop  of  water  to  the  ocean. 
With  the  eye,  and  the  ear,  and' the  heart  of  a  friend, 
he  attends  to  their  sorrows,  he  counts  their  sighs, 
bottles  their  tears  :  and  when  their  spirits  are  over- 
whelmed within  them,  he  knows  their  path,  and 
adjusts  the  time,  the  measure  of  their  trials,  and 
every  thing  that  is  n-ecessary  for  their  present  sup- 
port and  seasonable  deliverance.  He  never  afflicts 
them  willingly,  or  because  he  takes  pleasure  in 
grieving  them,  but  does  it  only  for  their  good,  and 
when  they  stand  in  need  of  it.  His  love  towax-ds 
them  is  the  same  when  he  wounds  as  when  he  heals, 
when  he  takes  away  as  when  he  gives.  Having 
redeemed  them  by  his  blood,  he  sets  a  high  value 
upon  them ;  he  esteems  them  his  treasures,  his  jew- 
els, and  keeps  them  as  the  pupil  of  his  eye.  They 
shall  not  want ;  they  need  not  fear  ;  for  he  himself 
is  tlieir  Guardian  and  Keeper.  On  earth  he  guides 
their  steps,  controls  their  enemies,  and  orders  all 
things  for  good  in  regard  to  them  ;  while  in  heaven 
he  is  pleading  their  cause,  preparing  tbem  a  place, 


MISCELLANEOUS.  249 

and  communicating  to  them  a  reviving  foretaste 
of  the  glory  that  shall  shortly  be  revealed.  Hap- 
py they,  who  are  thus  the  objects  of  his  love 
and  care.  Happy  the  people  that  are  in  such  a 
ease ;  yea,  blessed  are  the  people,  who  in  this 
manner  have  the  Lord  for  their  God. 

Read  the  157th  Hymn.     "Be  still,  my  heart; 
these  anxious  cares." 

CHRISTIANS    SHOULD    REJOICE. 

THAT  you  may  enjoy  the  comfort  of  religion,  let 
it  be  your  constant  care  to  cultivate  a  holy 
nearness  to  God,  a  close  living  with  him  ;  to  seek 
to  be  crucified  to  the  world,  and  to  have  the  world 
crucified  unto  you  ;  and  never  forget  that  it  is  sin 
alone  and  unbelief  which  can  wound  the  unbeliev- 
er's conscience,  or  damp  the  ardor  of  his  joy.  Let 
this  be  ardent ;  let  the  exercises  of  faith  and  holi- 
ness produce  a  glad  heart  and  cheerful  counte- 
nance ;  and  in  order  that  you  may  exhibit  it  for 
your  own  comfort,  and  for  the  encouragement  of 
others,  I  would  say,  in  the  language  of  the  apostle, 
"Rejoice  in  the  Lord  always."  Rejoice,  if  you 
have  been  made  a  partaker  of  the  grace  of  God ; 
rejoice  in  that  you  have  been  delivered  from  the 
fearful  pit ;  rejoice  in  the  access  which  is  opened 
to  you  of  daily  communication  between  earth  and 
heaven,  to  a  throne  of  grace,  through  the  merits  of 
Jesus  Christ  in  the  rent  veil  of  the  Redeemer's 
grace ;  rejoice  in  the  privileges  that  are  opened  to 
you  as  the  peculiar  people  of  God,  admission  to 
his  table,  fellowship  with  the  saints,  and  all  the 
high  and  countless  privileges  of  the  church  ;  re- 
joice in  the  precious  blood  of  Christ,  which  cleans- 
eth  from  all  sin ;  rejoice  in  the  agency  and  work 


250  MISCELLANEOUS. 

of  the  Spirit,  which  is  given  to  you  to  be  your 
comforter,  your  enlightener,  and  your  sanctifier ; 
rejoice  in  the  prospect  of  the  glory  that  awaits  you 
in  the  world  to  come. 

Head  the  l.'jth  Hymn.     "  All  glorious  God,  what 
hymns  of  praise." 

'  Kead  the  141st  Hymn.     "  O,  let  triumphant  faith 
dispel." 

PRATER. 


A 


.  TRUE  Christian  knows  well  the  nature  and 
-^A  value  of  prayer.  Prayer  is  intercourse  with 
God,  the  breath  of  the  soul,  the  channel  through 
which  its  desires  are  communicated  to  God ;  and 
the  blessings  of  heaven  vouchsafed  to  man ;  it  is 
the  source  of  his  strength,  and  joy,  and  peace. 
When  cold  and  formal,  he  culls  but  scanty  fruit 
from  the  varied  comforts  of  life,  while  he  finds 
every  temptation  to  evil  augmented  in  its  power 
and  influence  over  the  mind.  When,  on  the  other 
hand,  his  prayer  is  warm,  fervent,  and  unremitting, 
all  is  quiet  and  joyful  in  his  heart.  The  smile  and 
blessing  of  God  are  upon  him,  and  nothing  can  dis- 
turb the  peaceful  serenity  of  his  soul.  Enjoying 
the  friendship  of  God  by  prayer  and  other  spiritual 
exercises,  he  enjoys  happiness  in  God.  And  this 
he  does  by  the  principle  of  faith,  —  faith  which  is 
the  result  of  prayer,  —  which  sanctifieth  thought, 
and  directs  its  course,  and  clears  its  way  to  the 
calmer  and  better  regions  of  the  heavenly 
world. 

Many  may  be  the  hours  of  wounded  hopes  and 
painful  disquietudes  of  mind  which  the  Christian 
experiences  in  the  course  of  his  pilgrimage  through 
this  vale  of  teai's ;  but  these  are  sometimes  ex- 
changed for  hours  passed  at  the  throne  of  grace, 


MISCELLANEOUS.  251 

to  which  no  eye  but  that  of  God  is  witness  — hours 
when  Christ  speaks,  and  pain  and  sorrow  are  for- 
gotten—  hours,  when  cut  off  from  the  din  of  life, 
and  separated  from  friends,  and  left  alone  with 
God,  every  mtirmuring  is  hushed,  and  every  pri- 
vation is  repaid  —  hours  when  the  manifestation 
of  the  Redeemer's  glory  to  the  soul  has  shed  a 
calm  and  blissful  radiance  around  every  prospect, 
and  proved  the  earnest  of  that  better  heritage 
which  is  incorruptible  and  undefiled,  and  that 
fadeth  not  away  forever. 

Read  the  134th  Hymn.  "Prayer  is  the  soul's 
sincere  desire." 

HAPPY  DEATHS. 

IT  is  not  merely  apostles  and  martyrs  that  have 
passed  triumphantly  into  eternity.  Many  of  the 
young  disciples  of  the  Lord  have  died  with  as  much 
composure  and  as  much  holy  joy  as  they.  H. 
Goulding  died  in  his  twenty-fourth  year.  When 
he  felt  the  approach  of  death,  he  uttered  these  rap- 
turous expressions  :  "  I  find  now  it  is  no  delusion. 
Can  this  be  dying  !  This  body  seems  no  longer  to 
belong  to  the  soul ;  it  appears  only  as  a  curtain 
that  covers  it;  and  soon  I  shall  drop  this  curtain, 
and  be  set  at  liberty."  Then,  putting  his  hand  to 
his  heart,  he  exclaimed,  '•  I  rejoice  to  feel  these 
bones  give  way,  as  it  tells  me  that  I  shall  be  with 
my  God  in  glory."  His  last  words  were,  "  Glory, 
glory,  glory." 

The  following  sentiments  Avere  expressed  by  a 
young  girl,  who  suffered  much  before  her  death  :  — - 

"I  have  enjoyed  for  some  years  more  comfort 
than  I  can  express ;  then  why  should  I  repine  1 
When  I  am  not  torn  with  pain,  I  have  always  felt 


252  MISCELLANEOUS. 

peace  and  pleasure.  I  wish  to  be  in  heaven  with 
my  Savior.  I  trust  I  am  waiting  for  his  coming. 
I  feel  extreme  pain  at  times,  but  I  do  not  feel  one 
pain  in  my  mind.^'  In  her  latest  hours,  when  the 
power  of  speech  was  almost  gor^p,  she  faintly 
whispered,  "  Happy,  happy,"  and  seemed  ia 
prayer  to  say,    '•  Come,  my  dear  Savior,  come." 

"It  is  enough  for  me,"  said  another,  "  to  know  I 
am  suffering  the  will  of  God.  Her  countenance  then 
frequently  beamed  with  benignity  and  sacred  com- 
posure. The  Savior  she  loved  was  her  hope;  and 
as  eternal  scenes  drew  near,  her  hope  retained  all 
its  cheering  power.  A  friend  observed  to  her,  that 
her  hope  was  worth  the  world.  '*  More  than  the 
world  to  me,  sir,"  was  the  expressive  reply.  When 
her  last  hour  approached,  she  said,  "I  desire  to 
depart  and  to  be  with  Christ ;  I  long  to  be  with 
my  Savior."  She  remarked,  that  she  would  not 
change  places  with  any  of  her  Christian  friends 
who  were  in  health  around  her.  Her  desires  were 
at  length  accomplished,  and  her  Lord  took  her  to 
her  endless  home. 

Another  young  disciple  of  the  Savior,  in  his  last 
illness,  remarked,  that  the  thoughts  of  eternity 
were  most  pleasant  to  him.  He  spoke  of  himself 
as  lying  at  the  Savior's  feet,  willing  to  receive  ease 
or  pain,  and  said,  "  Death  is  never  once  a  terror ; 
I  am  not  afraid  to  die;  it  rather  seems  lovely. 
Christ  is  every  thing.     He  is  my  all  in  all." 

Such  cheering  instances  of  the  power  of  divine 
grace  have  been  almost  numberless.  One  of  the 
last  expressions  of  a  dying  saint,  whose  piety  be- 
gan in  youth,  was,  "  Welcome,  joy."  Another,  who 
sought  God  when  but  thirteen,  feeling  her  pulse, 
while  death  was  stealing  on  her,  said,  "  Well,  it 
will  be  but  a  little  while  before  my  work  in  this 


MISCELLANEOUS.  253 

world  is  finished.  Then  I  shall  have  done  with 
prayer.  My  whole  employment  in  heaven  will 
be  praise  and  love.  Here  I  love  God  faintly, 
yet  I  hope  sincerely  ;  there  it  will  be  perfectly.  I 
shall  behold  his  face  in  righteousness,  for  I  am  thy 
servant,  Lord,  bought  with  blood.  He  died  to  pur- 
chase the  life  of  my  soul.  A  little  while  and  I  shall 
be  singing  that  sweet  song,  'Blessing  and  honor,  and 
glory  and  powei-,  be  unto  Him  that  sitteth  upon  the 
throne,  and  to  the  Lamb  forever  and  ever.'  "  With 
smiles,  she  often  said,  "  Come,  Lord  Jesus,  come 
quickly.  O  blessed  convoy,  come  and  fetch  my 
soul  to  dwell  with  God  and  Christ,  and  perfect 
spirits  forever  and  ever.  O,  the  glory,  the  glory 
that  shall  be  set  on  the  head  of  faith  and  love  ! " 
Soon  after,  she  said,  "Farewell,  sin,  farewell,  pains," 
and  then  in  holy  peace  expired.    (See  p.  257.) 

Yes,  there  have  been  scenes  of  dying  blessed- 
ness, which,  hidden  in  the  retirement  of  the  still 
death  room,  have  made  manifest  as  day  the  pres- 
ence of  the  Savior,  whispering  of  celestial  joys, 
lifting  to  the  view  of  the  dying  visions  which  the 
living  could  not  perceive,  and  revealing  to  the  de- 
parting saint  things  which  only  the  departing  could 
understand ;  until  the  ravished  spirit,  forgetful  of 
the  pains  of  dissolution,  and  shrinking  from  its  clay, 
has  struggled  and  hastened  to  depart,  and,  like  a 
bird  let  loose,  to  be  free  and  disembodied. 

Let  those  who  have  witnessed  such  scenes  cher- 
ish their  remembrance  for  their  dying  hour.  Let 
them  rejoice  in  the  consolations  which  the  religion 
of  Jesus  has  provided  for  all  believers,  in  death  as 
in  life.  And  if  some  beloved  spirit  has  passed  the 
portals  of  the  grave  in  joyfulness  and  triumph,  let 
them  make  it  their  frequent  prayer,  that  the  love 
and  peace   by  which  they  were   supported   may, 


254  MISCELLANEOUS. 

through  God's  grace,  be  theirs  in  the  time  of  their 
last  mortal  trial. 

"  In  vain  our  fancy  strives  to  paint 
The  moment  after  death  ; 
The  glories  that  surround  the  saint 
When  he  resigns  his  breath. 

"  Thus  much,  and  this  is  all,  we  know  — 
They  are  supremely  blest ; 
Have  done  with  sin,  and  care,  and  woe, 
And  with  their  Savior  rest. 

"  On  harps  of  gold  his  name  they  praise, 
His  presence  always  view  ; 
And  if  we  here  their  footsteps  trace, 
There  we  shall  praise  him  too." 


MRS.    H- 


I'lHERE  are  few  more  remarkable  instances  of  the 
happy  power  of  religion  on  the  mind  than  that 
which  was  exhibited  by  Mrs.  H.,  when  she  di-ew 
near  the  close  of  life.  The  following  account  of 
her  last  illness  was  drawn  up  by  a  person  who  at- 
tended her  throughout ;  — 

From  the  time  of  her  first  seizure,  she  was  ex- 
ercised with  vei-y  violent  pains,  without  any  inter- 
mission, till  her  death  ;  such  as,  she  would  often 
say,  she  thought  she  could  not  have  borne  ;  but 
"  The  Lord  is  good,"  said  she,  "  verily,  he  is  good 
to  me  !  I  iiave  found  him  a  good  and  gracious 
God  to  me,  till  my  days." 

When  recovering  from  extreme  pain,  slie  re- 
marked, "  These  pains  make  me  love  my  Savior 
the  better.     Thev  remind   me  what  he  suffered  to 


MISCELLANEOUS.  255 

purchase  salvation  for  me  —  for  me,  the  greatest 
of  sinners  —  for  me,  who  so  long  refused  the  rich 
offers  of  his  grace.  0,  under  what  obligations  am 
I  to  him,  and  what  blessings  and  privileges  have  I 
enjoyed  at  his  hands !  '  Bless  the  Lord,  0  my  soul, 
and  all  that  is  within  me,  bless  his  holy  "name. 
Bless  the  Lord,  0  my  soul,  and  forget  not  all  his 
benefits.'  " 

When  any  were  weeping  or  mourning  over  her, 
she  would  say,  "  Weep  not  for  me ;  it  is  the  will 
of  God;  therefore  be  content.  If  it  may  be  for  his 
honor  and  glory,  he  will  spare  me  a  little  longer  ; 
if  not,  I  am  wholly  resigned  to  the  will  of  God. 
I  am  content  to  stay  here  as  long  as  he  has  any 
thing  for  me  to  do  or  to  suffer,  and  I  am  willing  to 
go  if  it  be  my  Father's  good  pleasure.  Therefore 
be  content,  and  say,  '  It  is  the  Lord,  let  him  do  what 
seemeth  to  him  good.'  " 

To  an  individual  who  came  to  see  her  she  said, 
"  I  think  I  shall  die  ;  and  now  what  a  comfort  it  is 
that  I  am  not  afraid  of  death !  The  blood  of  Christ 
cleanseth  from  all  sin.  But  mistake  me  not :  there 
must  he  a  life  and  conversation  agreeable  to  the  gospel, 
or  else  our  faith  in  Christ  is  a  dead  faith.  Secure 
Christ  for  your  Friend.  Set  not  your  heart  on 
things  below;  riches,  and  honors,  and  what  the 
world  calls  pleasures,  are  all  fiiding,  perishing 
things."  She  then  raised  her  hand  and  said,  "  O, 
if  I  had  thousands  of  gold  and  silver,  what  could 
they  do  for  me,  now  that  I  am  dying  ?  Take  the 
advice  of  a  departing  friend,  who' wishes  you  well. 
Do  not  set  your  affections  on  riches,  or  on  any 
thing  here  below.  Remember,  death  will  come  in 
a  little  while,  whether  you  are  ready  or  not.  I 
commend  you  to  God.  I  hope  in  a  short  time  we 
shall  meet  again  in  heaven,  the  place  of  permanent 
peace,  rest,  and  happiness." 


256  MISCELLANEOUS. 

The  whole  time  of  her  sickness,  she  was  in  a 
eheerful,  thankful  frame  of  mind.  She  was  very- 
grateful  for  the  slightest  attentions  that  were  paid 
her,  and  for  the  comfort  derived  from  her  medi- 
cines. "  Blessed  be  God,"  she  would  say,  "  for  his 
manifold  mercies  and  blessings.  O,  how  many  I 
have !  I  want  for  nothing,  unless  it  be  a  tranquil 
passage  to  glory.  It  was  free  grace  that  plucked 
me  from  the  brink  of  ruin,  and  it  is  the  power  of 
divine  grace  that  has  supported  me  through  life. 
Hitherto,  I  can  say  the  Lord  is  gracious.  He  has 
been  very  mei'ciful  to  me,  in  sustaining  me  under 
all  my  trials.  He  sends  affliction,  but  it  is  only 
because  it  is  for  our  profit.  I  can  say,  with  David, 
'  It  is  good  for  me  that  I  have  been  afflicted ; '  it 
has  enabled  me  to  discern  things  which,  when  I 
was  in  health,  I  could  not  perceive.  It  has  made 
me  see  more  of  the  vanity  and  emptiness  of  this 
world  and  its  transient  comforts,  for  at  best  they 
are  but  vanity.  I  can  say  from  experience,  I  have 
found  them  to  be  so,  many  a  time." 

To  her  husband,  the  day  before  she  died,  she 
said,  "  My  dear,  I  think  I  am  going  apace ;  and  I 
hope  you  will  be  satisfied,  because  it  is  the  will  of 
God.  You  have  at  all  times  been  very  good  to  me, 
and  I  thank  you  for  it  kindly;  and  now  I  desire  you 
freely  to  resign  me  to  God.  If  he  sees  it  best  to 
take  me  to  himself,  I  am  willing  to  go.  I  am 
willing  to  be,  and  to  bear,  what  may  be  most  for 
his  glory." 

The  evening  before  she  died,  she  found  death 
stealing  upon  her,  and  feeling  her  own  pulse,  said, 
"  Well,  it  will  be  but  a  little  while  before  my  work 
in  this  world  will  be  finished.  Then  I  shall  have 
done  with  prayer.  My  whole  employment  in  heav- 
sn  will  be  praise  and  love.    Here  I  love  God  faintly, 


MISCELLANEOUS.  257 

yet  I  hope  sincerely ;  but  there  it  will  be  perfectly. 
I  shall  behold  his  face  in  righteousness,  for  I  am 
thy  servant,  Lord,  bought  with  thy  pi-ecious  blood. 
A  little  while,  and  then  I  shall  be  singing  that  sweet 
song,  'Blessing  and  honor,  and  glory  and  power, 
be  unto  Him  that  sitteth  upon  the  throne,  and  to 
the  Lamb  forever  and  ever.'  " 

With  smiles  and  transports  of  joy,  she  often  said, 
"  '  Come,  Lord  Jesus,  come  quickly ! '  Blessed  an- 
gels !  come  and  fetch  my  soul,  that  it  may  dwell 
with  God,  and  Christ,  and  perfect  spirits  forever. 
When  I  join  that  blessed  society  above,  my  pleas- 
ures will  never  end.  0  the  glory  that  shall  be  set 
upon  the  head  of  faith  and  love !  " 

A  few  minutes  before  her  departure,  finding  her- 
self going,  she  desired  to  be  lifted  up.  When  this 
was  done,  she  cheerfully  said,  "  Farewell,  sin  !  fare- 
well, pain '. "  and  so  finished  her  course  with  joy. 

POWER    OF     RELIGION. 

THE  following  interesting  examples  of  the  power 
of  religion  on  the  minds  of  persons  in  humble 
life  are  from  the  writings  of  the  Rev.  J.  Newton. 

"  Permit  me,"  says  Mr.  N.,  in  writing  to  a  noble- 
man, "  to  relate  some  things  which  exceedingly 
struck  me  in  the  conversation  I  had  with  a  young 
woman,  whom  I  visited  in  her  last  illness.  She 
was  a  sober,  prudent  person,  of  plain  sense ;  she 
could  read  the  Bible,  but  had  read  little  besides 
Her  knowledge  of  the  world  was  nearly  confined 
to  the  parish ;  for  I  suppose  she  was  seldom,  if 
ever,  twelve  miles  from  home.  She  had  known  the 
gospel  about  seven  years  before  the  Lord  visited 
her  with  a  lingering  consumption,  which  at  length 
removed  her  to  a  better  world.  A  few  days  pre- 
17 


258  MISCELLANEOUS. 

vious  to  her  death,  in  prayer  by  her  bedside,  I 
thanked  the  Lord  that  he  gave  her  now  to  see  that 
she  had  not  followed  '  cunningly-devised  fables.^ 
When  I  had  finished,  she  repeated  that  expression, 
'  No,'  said  she,  "  not  cunningly-devised  fables  ;  " 
these  are  realities  indeed.  I  feel  their  truth  ;  I  feel 
their  comfort.  0,  tell  my  friends,  tell  my  acquaint- 
ance, tell  poor  sinners,  tell  "  all  the  daughters  of 
Jerusalem,"  alluding  to  Solomon's  Song,  what  Je- 
sus has  done  for  my  soul !  Tell  them  that  now,  in 
time  of  need,  I  find  him  my  Beloved  and  my  Friend, 
and  as  such  1  commend  him  to  them.' 

"  She  then  fixed  her  eyes  steadfastly  upon  me, 
and  proceeded,  to  the  best  of  ray  recollection,  as 
follows  :  •  Sir,  you  are  highly  favored  in  being 
called  to  preach  the  gospel.  I  have  often  heard 
you  with  pleasm-e ;  but  give  me  leave  to  tell  you, 
that  1  now  see  all  you  have  said,  or  that  you  can 
say,  is  comparatively  but  little.  JNor  till  you  come 
in  my  situation,  and  have  death  and  eternity  full  in 
your  view,  will  it  be  possible  for  you  to  conceive 
the  vast  weight  and  importance  of  the  truths  you 
declare.  0  sir,  it  is  a  serious  thing  to  die  ;  no  words 
can  express  what  is  needful  to  support  the  soul  in  the 
solemnity  of  a  dying  hour.^ 

"  When  I  visited  her  again,  she  said,  '  I  feel  that 
my  hope  is  fixed  upon  the  Rock  of  Ages  ;  I  know- 
in  whom  I  have  believed.  But  the  approach  of 
death  presents  a  prospect  which  is,  till  then,  hidden 
from  us,  and  which  cannot  be  described.'  She  said 
much  more  to  the  same  purpose  ;  and  in  all  she 
spoke  there  were  dignity,  weight,  and  evidence. 
Well  may  we  say  with  Elihu,  '  Who  teacheth  like 
the  Lord  7 ' 

•'■  Many  instances  of  this  kind  I  have  met  with 
here.     I  have  a  poor  girl  near  me.  whose  natural 


MISCELLANEOUS.  259 

capacity  is  very  small ;  but  the  Lord  has  been 
pleased  to  make  her  acquainted  alternately  with 
great  temptations  and  pi'oportionably  great  dis- 
coveries of  his  love  and  truth  ;  sometimes,  when 
her  heart  is  enlarged,  I  listen  to  her  with  astonish- 
ment. I  think  no  books,  or  ministers,  I  ever  met 
with,  have  given  me  such  impression  and  under- 
standing of  what  the  apostle  says,  '  the  deep  things 
of  God,'  as  I  have,  upon  some  occasions,  received 
from  her  conversation. 

"  We  have  lost  another  of  the  Lord's  people 
here ;  a  person  of  much  experience,  eminent  grace, 
wisdom,  and  usefulness.  She  walked  with  God 
forty  years.  She  was  one  of  the  Lord's  poor ;  but 
her  poverty  was  decent,  sanctified,  and  honorable. 
She  lived  respected,  and  her  death  is  considered  as 
a  public  loss.  It  is  a  great  loss  to  me  ;  I  shall  miss 
her  advice  and  example,  by  which  I  have  been  often 
edified  and  animated.  Almost  the  last  words  she 
uttered  wei'e,  '  The  Lord  is  my  portion,  saith  my 
soul.' 

'•  My  attendance  upon  the  sick  is  not  always 
equally  comfortable  ;  but  could  I  learn  aright,  it 
might  be  equally  insti'nictive.  Some  confirm  to 
me  the  preciousness  of  a  Savior  by  the  cheerful- 
ness with  which,  through  faith  in  his  name,  they 
meet  the  king  of  terrors.  Others  no  less  confirm 
it  by  the  terror  and  reluctance  they  discover,  when 
they  find  they  must  die.  For  though  there  are  too 
many  who  sadly  slight  the  blessed  gospel  while 
they  are  in  health,  yet  in  this  place  most  are  too 
far  enlightened  to  be  quite  thoughtless  about  their 
souls  in  their  last  illness,  if  they  retain  their  senses. 
Then,  like  the  foolish  virgins,  they  say,  '  Give  us 
of  your  oil.' 

"  Through  the  Lord's  goodness,  several,  whom  I 


260  MISCELLANEOUS. 

have  visited  in  these  circumstances,  have  afforded 
me  a  comfortable  hope.  I  have  seen  a  marvellous 
and  blessed  change  take  place  in  a  few  days,  in 
their  language,  views,  and  temper.  I  now  visit  a 
young  person,  who  is  cut  short  in  her  nineteenth 
year  by  a  consumption,  and  who,  I  think,  cannot 
live  many  days.  I  found  her  very  ignorant  and 
insensilile,  and  she  remained  so  a  good  while ;  but 
of  late  I  hope  her  heart  is  touched.  She  feels  her 
lost  state ;  she  seems  to  have  some  right  desires, 
and  I  cannot  but  think  the  Lord  is  teaching  her, 
and  will  reveal  himself  to  her  before  she  departs. 
"  But  the  scene  is  sometimes  different.  I  saw  a 
young  woman  die  the  last  week.  I  had  been  often 
with  her ;  but  the  night  she  was  removed,  she  could 
only  say,  '  O,  I  cannot  live  !  I  cannot  live  !'  She 
repeated  this  mournful  complaint  as  long  as  she 
could  speak ;  for,  as  the  vital  powers  were  more 
oppressed,  her  voice  changed  into  groans ;  her 
groans  grew  fainter  and  fainter,  and  in  about  a 
quarter  of  an  hour  after  she  had  done  speaking 
she  expired.  '  Poor  creature  ! '  said  I  to  myself,  as 
I  stood  by  her  bedside,  '  if  you  were  a  duchess  in 
this  situation,  what  could  the  M'orld  do  for  you 
now  ■? '  I  thought,  likewise,  how  many  things 
there  are  that  now  give  us  pleasure  or  pain,  and 
assume  a  mighty  importance  in  our  view,  which, 
in  a  dying  hour,  will  be  no  more  to  us  than  the 
clouds'  that  fly  unnoticed  over  our  heads.  Then 
the  truth  of  our  Lord's  declaration  will  be  seen, 
and  felt,  and  acknowledged :  '  One  thing  is  need- 
ful.' And  we  shall  be  ready  to  apply  Grotius's 
dying  confession  to  a  great  part  of  our  lives  — '  Ah ! 
I  have  consumed  my  time  in  laboriously  doing 
nothins:.'  " 


MISCELLANEOUS.  261 


BENEFITS    OF    A    SAVIOR. 

OUR  Savior  has  taken  away  the  sting  of  death ; 
he  hath  delivered  us  from  the  power  of  Satan 
and  from  the  dominion  of  sin  ;  he  has  borne  the 
punishment  of  our  guilt ;  has  expiated  the  sentence ; 
so  that  now,  in  the  consciousness  of  the  glorious 
privilege  we  enjoy,  we  can  serve  God  without  fear, 
in  righteousness  and  holiness  all  our  days.  And 
not  only  has  he  cancelled  the  guilt  of  sin,  but  he 
has  desti-oyed  its  power :  he  reigns  in  the  heart  of 
the  believer ;  he  cleanses  it  of  its  corruptions ;  he 
brings  the  whole  man  under  a  thorough  process  of 
sanctification  ;  so  that  while  he  lives  he  adds  one 
Christian  grace  to  another;  when  he  dies  he  re- 
joices in  the  hope  of  the  coming  glory  ;  when  he 
stands  at  the  bar  of  judgment,  he  is  presented  holy 
and  unblamable  in  the  sight  of  God,  and  of  his 
Savior. 

This  is  no  matter  of  idle  declamation.  There  is 
many  a  Christian  who  could  give  you  experiesce 
for  it.  He  can  take  you  to  the  house  of  mourning 
—  to  the  chamber  of  the  dying  man.  He  can  draw 
aside  the  curtain  which  covers  the  last  hours  of  the 
good  man's  existence,  and  show  you  how  a  good 
man  can  die.  He  can  ask  you  to  bend  your  ear, 
and  catch  the  last  faltering  accents  of  praise  and 
piety.  What  meaneth  that  joy,  in  the  midst  of 
suffering  ?  that  hope,  in  the  midst  of  approaching 
dissolution  ?  that  elevation,  amidst  the  severest 
agonies?  It  is  not  his  own  merit  that  sustains 
him  J  it  is  the  merit  of  the  exalted  Savior.  It  is  a 
hope  of  being  found  in  Christ,  and  a  sense  of  the 
forgiveness  which  he  hath  received  at  his  hand. 
In  a  word,  it  is  Christ  who  resolves  the  mystery ; 


262  MISCELLANEOUS. 

it  is  his  presence  that  pours  tranquillity  and  joy 
among  such  scenes  of  distress  ;  it  is  he  who  dis- 
penses fortitude  to  the  dying  man,  and  while  joy 
beams  upon  his  countenance,  though  relatives  and 
friends  are  weeping  around  him,  he  is  able  to  leave 
them  all  with  this  exulting  testimony,  "  0  death, 
where  is  thy  sting  1  0  grave,  where  is  thy  vic- 
tory 1 " 

"  THE    RESURRECTION    AND    THE    LIFE." 

niHE  "  Kesurrection  and  the  Life  !  "  These 
J-  are  thy  magnificent  titles,  Captain  of  our  Sal- 
vation !  And  therefore  we  commit  to  thee  body 
and  soul,  for  thou  hast  redeemed  both,  and  thou 
wilt  advance  both  to  the  noblest  and  most  splendid 
of  portions.  Who  quails  and  shrinks,  scared  by 
the  despotism  of  death  1  Who  fears  the  dashing 
of  those  cold,  black  waters  which  roll  between  us 
and  the  promised  land  ?  Men  and  brethren  !  grasp 
your  own  privileges.  Men  and  brethren  !  Christ 
Jesus  has  '"  abolished  death :  "  Avill  ye  by  your 
fearfulness  throw  strength  into  the  skeleton,  and 
give  back  empire  to  the  dethroned  and  the  de- 
stroyed ?  Yes  !  '•  the  Resurrection  and  the  Life  " 
abolished  death.  Ye  must  indeed  die ;  and  so  far 
death  remains  undestroyed.  But  if  the  terrible  be 
destroyed  Avhen  it  can  no  longer  terrify,  if  the 
enemy  be  abolished  when  it  does  the  work  of  a 
friend,  and  if  the  tyrant  be  abolished  when  per- 
forming the  offices  of  a  servant,  then  is  death  de- 
stroyed, then  is  death  abolished  to  all  who  are 
interested  in  Him  who  is  the  "  Resurrection  and 
the  Life,"  and  the  noble  prophecy  is  fulfilled,  "  O 
death,  I  will  be  thy  plagues  !  0  grave,  I  will  be  thy 
destruction !  " 


MISCELLANEOUS.  263 

"  I   HEARD  A  VOICE  PROM    HEAVEN."       0  for  an 

angel's  tongue,  that  words  so  beautiful  mifrht  haA-e 
all  their  melodiousness,  sajdng,  Write,  "  Blessed 

ARE  THE  DEAD  WHO  DIE    IN    THE  LORD,"    &C.       It 

is  yet  a  little  while  and  we  shall  be  delivered  from 
the  burden  and  the  conflict,  and,  with  all  those  who 
have  preceded  us  in  the  struggle,  enjoy  the  deep 
raptures  of  a  Mediator's  presence.  Then,  reunited 
to  the  friends  with  whom  we  took  sweet  counsel 
upon  earth,  we  shall  recount  our  toil  only  to 
heighten  our  ecstasy,  only  that  with  a  richer  song 
we  may  feel  and  celebrate  the  wonders  of  redemp- 
tion. And  when  the  morn  of  the  first  resurrection 
breaks  upon  this  groaning  creation,  then  shall  these 
comfortable  words  of  Holy  Writ  be  understood  in 
all  tiaeir  majesty  and  in  all  their  marvel ;  and  then 
shall  the  words,  too,  whose  syllables  mingle  so 
often  with  the  funeral  knell,  that  we  are  disposed 
to  carve  them  on  the  cypress  tree,  rather  than  on 
the  palm,  '•  I  am  the  Resurrection  and  the  Life," 
form  the  choinis  of  that  noble  anthem  which  those 
for  whom  Christ  died,  and  rose,  and  revived,  shall 
chant  as  they  march  from  judgment  to  glory. 

DEATH  NOT  DREADED  BY  THE  CHRISTIAN. 

CJHALL  the  believer  in  Christ  Jesus  be  appalled 
^-^  at  death  ?  Does  he  not  know  Christ  as  having 
ransomed  the  souls  of  his  people,  washed  them  in 
his  blood,  and  covered  them  with  his  righteousness  ? 
Has  he  not  found  a  witness  in  himself,  that  precious 
is  his  soul  in  the  sight  of  the  Redeemer  ?  What 
then  1  Shall  he  be  otherwise  than  persuaded  that 
Christ  will  watch  over  the  soul  at  the  instant  of 
separation  from  the  body,  and  send  a  legion  of 
bright  angels   to  convey   the  spirit    to   himself? 


264  MISCELLANEOUS. 

Then,  safely  lodged  in  paradise,  the  soul  shall 
await  reunion  with  the  body,  unspeakably,  though 
not  completely  blessed.  To  all  this  he  knows  that 
Christ  is  pledged,  and  therefore  he  commits  his  soul 
to  hira  in  confidence,  persuaded  that  he  is  able  to 
keep  that  which  he  hath  committed  unto  him 
against  that  day.  And  not  his  soul  only,  but  his 
body  also,  he  commits  to  his  custody.  Though 
the  winds  may  disperse,  the  waters  ingulf,  or  the 
fires  rarefy  the  atoms  which  make  up  his  frame,  yet 
he  "  knows  that  his  Kedeeraer  liveth ;  and  that 
though  after  his  skin  worms  destroy  his  body,  yet 
in  his  flesh  shall  he  see  God."  In  this  confidence 
he  resigns  himself  entirely  into  the  hands  of  Christ, 
and  looks  forward  without  dread  to  the  hour  of  his 
departure,  assured  that  those  black,  cold  watfers, 
which  roll  in  upon  the  dying,  shall  sweep  nothing 
away  out  of  the  Avatchfulness  of  his  Guardian ;  but 
just  bearing  him  within  the  sphere  of  his  peculiar 
inspections,  give  hira  up  to  his  care  as  a  child  of 
the  resurrection, —  as  heir  of  that  inheritance 
which  is  incorruptible  and  undefiled. 

HEAVEN   OPENED. 

rpilE  curtain  which  overspreads  the  invisible  world 
-L  is  at  length  drawn  aside,  and  we  behold  our 
great  High  Priest  entered  "  into  heaven  there  to 
appear  in  the  presence  of  God  for  us."  We  hear 
the  songs  of  the  redeemed,  expressive  of  their 
gratitude  to  Him  who  loved  them,  and  washed  them 
from  their  sins  in  his  own  blood,  and  hath  made 
them  "  kings  and  priests  to  God."  We  see  our 
friends  in  Jesus,  from  time  to  time,  leaving  this 
world,  to  join  that  blessed  assembly  above.  We 
hear  the  voice  of  their  Savior  encouraging  us  "  not 


MISCELLANEOUS.  265 

to  sorrow  as  those  who  have  no  hope."  assuring 
us  that  we  shall  meet  them  again  in  glory.  We 
are  assured  that  the  sickness  which  has  cfeprived 
us  of  the  society  of  our  beloved  Christian  friends 
is  not  unto  death,  but  for  the  glory  of  God  ;  that 
the  Son  of  God  may  be  glorified  thereby ;  that  be- 
lievers, when  absent  from  the  body,  are  present 
with  the  Lord ;  that,  when  committing  their  re- 
mains to  the  dust,  we  are  sowing  the  seed  of  a  glo- 
rious harvest ;  and  that  our  soitow  shall  ere  long 
be  turned  into  joy.  Such  is  the  strong  consolation, 
under  all  the  sorrows  of  life,  which  God  has  given 
to  those  "  who  have  fled  for  refuge  to  lay  hold  of 
the  hope  set  before  them."  "  Weeping  may  endure 
for  a  night,  but  joy  cometh  in  the  morning."  To 
believers  it  shall  be  a  morning  without  clouds,  "  for 
the  Lord  will  be  their  everlasting  light,  and  the 
days  of  their  mourning  shall  be  ended?' 

EECOGNITION    IN    HEAVEN. 

OF  all  the  afflictions  to  which  we  are  liable,  there 
is  none  so  painful  as  the  death  of  our  friends. 
And  0,  what  a  consoling  balm  is  the  doctrine  that 
we  shall,  in  the  realms  above,  be  restored  to  their 
fellowship  !  This  doctrine  is  involved  in  many 
passages  of  Scripture  ;  in  the  account  of  the  last 
judgment ;  in  the  language  of  David  on  occasion 
of  the  death  of  his  child  ;  in  the  parable  of  the  rich 
mail  and  Lazarus  ;  in  the  consolation  Avhich  our 
Savior  gives  to  the  penitent  sinner  on  the  cross  ; 
in  the  assurance  administered  by  St.  Paul  to  the 
Thessalonian  believers,  that  they  should  be  his  joy 
and  crown  of  rejoicing  in  the  presence  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  at  his  coming  ;  and  in  the  same  apos- 
tle, forbidding  them  to  sorrow  for  such  as  had  fallen 


266  MISCELLANEOUS. 

asleep,  as  though  they  had  no  hope  of  being  united 
with  them,  and  of  being  together  with  the  Lord ; 
and  in  the  general  use  which  the  sacred  writers 
make  of  the  word  sleep  for  death,  a  simile  which 
would  be  flagrantly  incorrect,  if  our  recollections, 
our  friendships  and  affections,  were  not  renewed  in 
a  future  state.  And,  in  general,  the  same  doctrine 
is  taught  also  thi-ough  the  whole  book  of  the  Rev- 
elation of  St.  John.  Happy  prospect,  that  exalts 
friendship  into  religion  !  What  blessed  society  there 
will  be  above ! 

Apostles,  martyrs,  prophets  there 

Around  the  Savior  stand  ; 
And  soon  our  friends  in  Christ  below 

Will  join  the  glorious  band. 


PRESENT     ENJOYMENT    AND    FUTURE   PROSPECTS 
OF    THE    CHRISTIAN, 

O  WEET  is  the  privilege  of  prayer. 

To  bow  before  a  throne  of  grace  ; 
To  leave  our  ever)'  hurden  there, 

And  gain  new  strength  to  run  our  race ; 
To  gird  our  heavenly  armor  on, 
Depending  on  the  Lord  alone  ! 

And  sweet  the  whisper  of  his  love, 

When  conscience  sinks  beneath  its  load ; 

That  l)ids  our  guilty  fears  remove, 
And  points  to  Christ's  atoning  blood. 

0,  then  'tis  sweet  indeed  to  know 

God  can  be  just  and  gracious  too. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  267 

Sweet  is  the  peace  that  Jesus  gives, 
When  all  around  is  dressed  in  gloom ; 

'Tis  sweet  to  know  the  Savior  lives 
"When  friends  are  hurried  to  the  tomb, 

And  those  we  love  are  snatched  away, 

Like  flowers  that  wither  in  a  day. 

And  O,  'tis  sweet,  Avhen  we  begin 
To  find  this  earthly  house  give  way, 

To  feel  a  principle  within, 
Rising  superior  to  decay  !  — 

A  hope  implanted  in  the  breast. 

Bright  foretaste  of  eternal  rest ! 

But  to  behold  LnmanueVs  face, 
From  sin  and  sorrow  to  be  freed, 

To  dwell  in  his  divine  embrace. 
This  will  be  sweeter  far  indeed. 

The  fairest  form  of  earthly  bliss 

Is  less  than  nought,  compared  with  this. 

And  yet,  through  free  and  sovereign  grace, 
I  hope  ere  long  those  joys  to  share ; 

Before  the  throne  to  find  a  place, 

That  bright,  unfading  crown  to  wear, 

And  join  the  ransomed  choir  above, 

To  celebrate  redeeming  love. 


268  MISCELLANEOUS. 


DEATH   OF   AN   AGED    BELIEVER. 

THERE  is  not  a  more  sublime  and  interesting 
spectacle  than  the  death  bed  of  an  aged  and 
consistent  believer.  It  is  exceedingly  interesting 
to  listen  to  his  last  conversations,  and  to  mark  the 
heavenly  aspect  of  his  countenance  ;  it  is  pleasing 
to  perceive  vv^ith  what  tranquil  and  fearless  com- 
posure he  sinks  to  the  rest  for  which  he  has  been 
prepared  by  the  influence  of  a  lively  faith,  and  by 
a  course  of  uniform  and  exemplary  godliness  ;  and 
while  contemplating  such  a  scene,  it  is  almost  im- 
possible not  to  compare  it  with  the  glorious  sunset 
of  an  autumnal  evening.  The  light  of  Christian 
experience  and  character,  reflected  by  the  venerable 
saint  as  he  approaches  the  close  of  his  career, 
seems  to  throw  back  a  hallowed  radiance  upon  all 
its  preceding  stages;  a  hope  full  of  immortality 
triumphs  over  every  doubt,  and  puts  to  flight  every 
fearful  apprehension,  whereby  his  soml  may  have 
aforetime  been  beclouded,  his  enjoyments  inter- 
rupted, or  his  usefulness  in  any  measure  counter- 
acted. The  felt  presence  of  a  divine  Redeemer 
gives  energy  and  animation  to  his  voice,  imparts  a 
more  than  mortal  lustre  to  his  eye,  and  gilds  the 
chamber  where  he  languishes  with  the  glories  of  a 
better  world ;  and,  in  proportion  as  he  nears  the 
moment  of  departure,  his  moral  greatness  becomes 
an  increasingly  apparent  evidence  that  all  is  well 
with  him ;  for  eternity  grows  brighter  and  brighter, 
the  spirit  of  the  gospel  expands  and  diffuses  it&elf 
through  all  the  faculties  and  affections  of  his  mind, 
so  as  it  has  never  done  before ;  and  a  conviction 
of  the  divinity  of  his  principles,  the  safety  of  his 
state,  and  the  grandeur  of  his  prospects  gets  to  be 


MISCELLANEOUS  2C9 

more  and  more  impressive  and  absorbing,  till  at 
length  all  present  are  prompted  to  exclaim,  "  Mark 
the  perfect  man,  and  behold  the  upright,  for  the  end 
of  that  man  is  peace  ;  "  or  to  ejaculate  the  fervent 
prayer,  "  Let  us  die  the  death  of  the  righteous,  and 
let  our  last  end  be  like  his.'' 

How  blest  the  righteous  when  they  die,' 

When  holy  souls  retire  to  rest ! 
How  mildly  beams  the  closing  eye  ! 

How  gently  heaves  th'  expiring  breast ! 

So  fades  a  summer  cloud  away, 

So  sinks  the  gale  when  storms  are  o'er, 

So  gently  shuts  the  eye  of  day, 
So  dies  a  wave  along  the  shore. 

Farewell,  conflicting  hopes  and  fears. 
Where  lights  and  shades  alternate  dwell ; 

How  bright  the  unchanging  morn  appears  ! 
Parewell,  inconstant  world,  farewell. 


DEATH   THE    PATH   TO    GLORY. 

DEATH  to  a  good  man  is  but  passing  through  a 
dark  entry,  out  of  a  little  room  of  his  Father's 
house,  into  another  that  is  blissful  and  glorious. 
O,  may  the  rays  and  splendors  of  my  heavenly 
apartment  shoot  far  downward,  and  gild  the  dark 
entry  with  such  a  cheerful  gleam  as  to  banish  every 
fear  when  I  shall  be  called  to  pass  through 


270  MISCELLANEOUS. 


THE    DEAD. 

THE  dead  are  like  the  stars  by  day, 
Withdrawn  from  mortal  eye, 
But  not  extinct :  they  hold  their  way 

In  glory  through  the  sky. 
Spirits  from  bondage  thus  set  free 
Vanish  amidst  immensity. 

They  are  in  glory,  they  are  with  Christ,  they  are 
separated  forever  from  all  the  temptations  and 
trials  of  this  mortal  scene.  They  arrive  at  home-— 
at  their  Father's  house ;  and  with  angels  and  all 
the  company  of  the  beatified,  partake  of  the  ful- 
ness of  pleasures  which  are  at  his  right  hand  for- 
evermore. 

Mortals  cry,  A  man  is  dead. 
Angels  sing,  A  child  is  born  — 
Born  into  the  world  above. 

They  our  happy  brother  greet, 
Bear  him  to  the  throne  of  love, 

Place  him  at  the  Savior's  feet. 


PERSONS     SERIOUSLY    ILL    SHOULD   BE   MADE 
ACQUAINTED    WITH    THEIR   CONDITION. 

A  DYING  fellow-creature  should  never  be  kept 
in  the  dark  when  his  approaching  end  is  draw- 
ing near.  Relatives  and  friends  should  not  attempt 
to  comfort  and  soothe  him,  by  endeavoring  to  per- 
suade him  there  is  no  danger,  when  it  really  exists  ; 
but  prove  their  i*eal  love  and  sincerity,  by  studying 
every  means  by  which  they  can  remove  the  fear  of 
death,  and  lay  before  him  God's  exceeding  great 
and  precious  promises.     In  communicating  the  fact 


MISCELLANEOUS.  271 

to  him,  all  unnecessary  alarm  should  be  avoided, 
and  the  fact  disclosed  by  his  nearest  relatives,  in 
the  most  kind,  tender,  and  gradual  manner,  so  as 
not  to  create  terror,  or  to  occasion  hopelessness 
and  despair;  as  in  certain  diseases  the  most  serious 
and  injurious  effects  are  produced,  and  the  only 
hope  of  recovery  lost. 

DEATH    OP    THE    RIGHTEOUS. 

THE  sinner,  in  the  season  of  health,  looks  upon 
futurity  with  a  tranquil  eye ;  but  in  the  last  mo- 
ments of  his  life,  when  he  contemplates  it  more 
closely,  his  calmness  is  changed  into  faintness  and 
terror. 

The  just  man,  on  the  contrary,  during  the  days 
of  his  mortal  life  did  not  dare  to  look  with  a  fixed 
eye  upon  the  depths  of  God's  judgments.  He 
worked  out  his  salvation  with  fear  and  trembling. 
He  shuddered  at  the  bare  thought  of  that  awful 
futurity,  in  which,  even  the  righteous,  if  they  were 
judged  without  mercy,  could  scarcely  be  saved. 
But  on  the  bed  of  death  the  God  of  peace  is  pres- 
ent with  him,  and  calms  his  agitation.  His  terrors 
instantaneously  cease,  and  are  changed  into  a  de- 
lightful hope.  He  already  pierces,  with  expiring 
eyes,  through  the  cloud  of  mortality  which  sur^ 
rounds  him,  and  beholds,  like  Stephen,  the  bosom 
of  glory,  and  the  Son  of  man  at  the  right  hand  of 
his  Father,  ready  to  receive  him  ;  that  immortal 
country  after  which  he  had  so  long  sighed,  and 
where  in  spirit  he  had  always  dwelt ;  that  holy 
Zion,  which  the  God  of  his  fathers  fills  with  his 
glory  and  his  presence ;  where  he  overwhelms  his 
chosen  servants  with  the  torrent  of  his  pleasures, 
and  daily  imparts  to  them  those  incomprehensible 


272  MISCELLANEOUS. 

blessings  which  he  hath  prepared  for  them  who 
love  him  ;  that  city  of  the  people  of  God,  the  abode 
of  his  saints,  the  dwelling-place  of  prophets,  and 
just  men  made  perfect,  where  he  will  once  more 
tind  his  brethren,  whom  charity  had  united  to  him 
on  earth,  and  with  whom  he  will  eternally  bless 
the  mercy  of  the  Lord  and  sing  the  praises  of  his 
grace. 

With  what  joy,  then,  does  he  listen  to  the  minis- 
ters of  the  church,  when  they  say  to  him,  "  Depart, 
Christian  soul ;  go  forth  from  this  land  where  you 
have  so  long  been  a  stranger  and  a  captive ;  the 
time  of  your  tribulations  and  trials  is  ended.  Be- 
hold at  length  the  righteous  Judge,  who  comes  to 
break  the  chains  which  bind  you  to  mortality.  Re- 
turn to  the  bosom  of  that  God  from  which  you 
sprung.  "  Depart,  faithful  servant  of  the  Lord ; 
you  are  about  to  be  united  to  the  church  of  heav- 
en, which  awaits  your  coming." 

Those  do  not  perish  who  sleep  in  the  Lord.  We 
lose  you  on  earth  only  to  find  you  again  in  a  very 
short  time  with  Jesus  Christ  in  the  kingdom  of 
heaven  ;  the  body  which  is  about  to  be  consigned 
to  the  earth  will  soon  follow  you  in  incorruption 
and  glory ;  not  a  hair  of  your  head  shall  perish ; 
there  will  remain  in  your  ashes  the  seeds  of  im- 
mortality, until  the  day  of  rcA'elation,  when  your 
dry  bones  will  be  reanimated,  and  appear  brighter 
than  light.  What  happiness  for  you  to  be  freed 
from  all  the  miseries  with  which  we  still  continue 
to  be  atflicted  ;  to  be  no  longer  exposed,  like  your 
brethren,  to  lose  the  favor  of  God,  which  you  now 
possess  ;  to  close  your  eyes  at  last  to  all  the  scan- 
dals which  grieve  us,  to  the  vanity  which  seduces 
us,  to  the  example  which  leads  us  astray,  to  the 
attachments  which   divide  our   aflfectious,  to    the 


MISCELLANEOUS.  273 

agitations  which  distract  our  minds  !  What  hap- 
piness to  depart  at  length  from  a  place  where  every 
thing  wearies,  and  every  thing  pollutes  us ;  and  to 
go  to  an  abode  of  peace,  serenity,  and  gladness, 
where  there  is  no  other  occupation  but  to  enjoy  the 
God  whom  we  love  ! 

ADVANTAGES    OF    THE    CHRISTIAN    IN   HIS    DYING 
HOUR. 

WHAT  a  different  aspect  does  death  and  the 
grave  wear  to  the  Christian,  and  to  him  who 
is  without  hope  —  the  poor  heathen  man  !  O,  what 
would  many  a  good  heathen  have  given  to  have 
had  the  privilege  which  we  possess  of  looking  into 
the  glorious  redemption  of  Jesus  Christ,  which  tells 
us  of  a  new  heaven  and  a  new  earth,  wherein 
dwelleth  righteousness !  Before  life  and  immor- 
tality Avere  brought  to  light  by  Christ,  death  was 
emphatically  "  the  king  of  terrors,"  and  the  grave 
a  place  of  hopeless  annihilation.  When  any  loved 
one  died,  they  knew  not  where  he  had  gone.  No 
light  from  the  spiritual  world  had  visited  their  eyes  ; 
no  glad  tidings  of  hope  and  joy,  of  salvation  and 
peace,  had  been  announced  to  their  ears.  They 
were  as  those  without  hope  ;  for  they  saw  not, 
through  the  bright  visions  of  faith,  the  gate  of 
heaven  opened,  and  Jesus  standing  at  the  right 
hand  of  God,  ready  to  receive  the  spirit  of  their 
departing  brother  into  joy  and  felicity. 

Often  has  faith  been  seen  prevailing  over  nature, 
and  hope  triumphing  over  the  fear  of  death.  Often 
has  been  witnessed  that  glorious  sight,  when  death 
is  seen  to  be  reft  of  its  sting,  and  the  grave  of  his 
victory ;  when  the  bi'ightest  temporal  hopes,  and 
the  richest  temporal  blessings,  arc  resigned  without 
a  sigh  and  without  a  murmur. 
13 


274  MISCELLANEOUS. 

There  has  been  seen  the  ftided  countenance  pale 
and  deathlike,  and  the  body  shattered  and  emaci- 
ared,  but  the  spirit  within  lighted  up  with  the  beams 
of  immortality.  There  has  been  seen,  too,  the 
young,  fair  as  the  lily  and  lovely  as  the  rose,  called 
from  the  gay  and  active  scenes  of  life,  to  languish 
and  to  fade  on  the  couch  of  death,  ready,  with  a 
meek  and  contented  heart,  to  relinquish  all,  that 
she  might  breathe  out  her  parting  spirit  with  a 
calm  and  happy  confidence  into  the  hands  of  a 
faithful  Savior.  No  spectacle  can  be  a  more  joyous 
one,  and  no  privilege  a  dearer  one  to  a  child  of 
God,  than  to  see  a  dying  Christian  thus  serene  and 
tranquil  amid  the  desolation  of  every  hope  and  the 
ruin  of  every  earthly  joy,  thus  reposing  her  soul, 
with  a  look  of  heavenly  sweetness,  on  the  bosom 
of  her  God,  simply  trusting  in  the  merits  of  Him 
in  whom  she  had  believed  ;  pi'eferring  rather  to 
depart,  and  be  with  Christ,  than  to  enjoy  the  pleas- 
ures of  sin  for  a  season. 

Beautifully  do  the  following  lines  express  the 
sentiments  of  such  a  one. 

"  Though  in  the  paths  of  death  I  tread. 
With  gloomy  horrors  overspread. 
My  steadfast  heart  shall  fear  no  ill, 
For  thou,  O  Lord,  art  with  me  still. 
Thy  friendly  crook  shall  give  me  aid. 
And  guide  me  through  the  dreadful  shade." 

To  what  higher  source  of  hope  can  the  troubled 
spirit  look  in  the  last  hour  of  darkness  and  distress  1 
On  what  more  dear  and  beloved  object  can  he  fix 
his  longing  eyes  than  on  Him  who  has  already 
traversed  the  gloomy  abodes  of  death  and  the 
grave,  and  reached  the  glorious  mansions  beyond 
them,  and  who,  like  a  kind  protector,  has  prom- 


MISCELLANEOUS.  275 

ised  to  convey  him  safely  thither,  so  that  he  need 
fear  no  evil  in  passing  through  those  untried  do- 
minions, of  which  he  has  become  the  Lord  and 
Master  1  Now,  in  this  solitary  and  dreary  walk 
through  the  dark  chambers  of  death  and  the  grave, 
the  Christian  has  the  presence  and  aid  of  his  dear 
Redeemer.  His  eye  is  steadfastly  fixed  upon  the 
dying  saint,  and  his  arm  stretched  forth  to  uphold 
and  support  him.  Yes,  Christ  is  standing  at  the 
gate  ready  to  deliver  him  from  the  miseries  of  this 
sinful  world,  and  to  take  him  to  that  rest  which  re- 
maineth  for  his  people — ready  to  conduct  him  to 
his  fellow-sufferers,  who  have  "  come  out  of  great 
tribulation,  and  have  washed  their  robes  and  made 
them  white  in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb."  "  They 
shall  hunger  no  more,  neither  thirst  any  more ; 
neither  shall  the  sun  light  on  them,  nor  any 
heat,  for  the  Lamb  which  is  in  the  midst  of  the 
throne  shall  feed  them,  and  shall  lead  them  to 
living  fountains  of  waters,  and  God  shall  wipe  away 
all  tears  from  their  eyes." 

DEPARTED    FRIENDS. 

OUR  friends  who  ha-^  left  us  —  where  are  they  ■? 
We  are  sure  that  to  them,  to  whom  to  live  it 
was  Christ,  to  die  will  be  gain.  Where  are  they  ? 
They  are  where  they  are  perpetually  and  perfectly 
blessed,  in  the  immediate  vision  and  enjoyment  of 
God,  within  the  veil,  infinitely  more  happy  where 
they  are  than  where  they  were.  Where  are  they  ? 
Why,  they  are  in  the  mansions  of  light  and  bliss, 
that  are  in  our  Father's  house  above ;  in  the  para- 
dise of  God,  where  they  hunger  no  more,  nor  thii'st 
any  more.  They  are  in  the  best  company,  em- 
ployed in  the  best  works,  and  enjoying  a  complete 


276  MISCELLANEOUS. 

satisfaction.  Wliere  are  they  1  Why,  they  are 
where  there  are  no  complaints ;  nothing  to  inter- 
rupt their  communion  with  God,  or  to  cast  a  damp 
upon  their  spirits.  Death  has  done  that  for  them 
which  ordinances  could  not  do  ;  has  perfectly  freed 
them  from  that  body  of  sin  and  death,  which  was 
here  their  constant  burden,  and  hath  set  them  for- 
ever out  of  the  reach  of  temptation.  The  spirits 
of  the  just  are  there  made  perfect  beyond  the  per- 
fection of  Adam  in  innocency,  for  they  are  immu- 
tably confirmed  in  it.  Where  are  they*?  Why, 
they  are  where  they  would  be,  in  their  centre,  in 
their  element.  They  are  where  they  longed  to  be, 
in  that  blessed  state,  towards  which,  while  they 
were  here,  they  were  still  reaching  forth  and  press- 
ing foi'ward. 

THE    LAND    OF    THE    BLEST. 

1  A  WHEN  the  hours  of  life  are  past. 

And  death's  dark  shade  arrives  at  last. 
It  is  not  sleep,  it  is  not  death, 
'Tis  glory  opening  to  the  blest. 
» 

2  There  parted  hearts  again  shall  meet 
In  union  holy,  calm,  and  sweet ; 
There  grief  find  rest,  and  nevermore 
Shall  sorrow  call  them  to  deplore. 

3  The  gate  of  heaven  —  there,  saved  from  sin, 
Will  Christ  receive  his  ransomed  in, 

And  each  adorned  with  robes  of  light, 
Like  his.  divinely  fair  and  bright. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  277 

4  And  there  in  songs  of  endless  praise, 
"With  angels  bright,  their  voices  raise, 
Where  light  shall  beam  from  every  crown, 
As  suns  that  nevermore  go  down. 

5  No  storm  shall  ride  the  troubled  air, 
No  voice  of  passion  enter  there  ; 
But  all  be  peaceful  as  the  sigh 

Of  evening  winds,  that  gently  die. 

6  For  there  the  God  of  mercy  sheds 
His  purest  influence  on  their  heads  ; 
And  gilds  the  spirits  round  the  throne 
With  glory  radiant  as  his  own. 

DEATH   OP   AN    ONLY    SON. 

I  SINCERELY  sympathize  with  you  (says  Dr. 
Erskine,  in  a  letter  to  a  friend)  on  your  heavy 
and  unexpected  ti*ial.  I  have  drank  deep  of  the 
same  cup  :  of  nine  sons,  only  one  survives.  From 
what  I  repeatedly  felt,  I  can  form  an  idea  what  you 
must  feel  in  having  so  promising  an  only  son  taken 
from  you.  I  cannot,  I  dare  not  say,  ''  Weep  not." 
Jesus  wept  at  the  grave  of  Lazarus,  and  surely  he 
allows  you  to  weep ;  surely  there  is  a  "  need  be  " 
that  you  feel  heaviness  under  such  a  trial.  But  0, 
let  hope  and  joy  mitigate  your  heaviness.  I  know 
not  how  this,  or  a  former  trial,  sha^l  work  together 
for  your  good ;  but  it  is  enough  that  God  knows. 
He  who  hath  said,  ^^All  things  shall  work  together 
for  good  to  them  that  love  God,"  excepts  not  from 


278  MISCELLANEOUS. 

this  promise  the  sorest  trial.  You  devoted  your  son 
to  God  ;  you  cannot  doubt  that  he  accepted  the  sur- 
render. If  he  has  been  hid  in  the  chambers  of  the 
grave  from  the  evil  of  sin,  and  from  the  evil  of 
suffering,  let  not  your  eye  be  evil  when  God  is 
good.  What  you  chiefly  wished  for  him,  and 
prayed  for  on  his  behalf,  was  spiritual  and  heavenly 
blessings.  If  the  greatest  thing  you  wished  for  is 
accomplished  at  the  season  and  in  the  manner  in- 
finite wisdom  saw  best,  refuse  not  to  be  comforted ; 
you  know  not  what  work  and  joy  have  b^n  wait- 
ing for  him  in  that  world  where  "  God's  servants 
shall  serve  him." 

Should  you  sorrow  immoderately,  when  you 
have  such  ground  of  hope  that  he  and  his  other 
parent  are  rejoicing  in  what  you  lament  ?  I  know 
that  nature  will  feel ;  and  I  know  that  suppressing 
its  emotions,  in  such  cases,  is  not  profitable  either 
for  soul  or  body  ;  but  I  trust  that,  though  you 
mourn,  God  will  keep  you  from  murmuring,  and 
that  you  shall  have  to  glory  in  your  tribulation, 
while  the  power  of  Christ  is  manifested  thereby. 

Read  the  124th  Hymn,  "Hear  what  the  voice 
from  heaven  declares." 

Read  the  12.5th  Hymn,  "  When  those  we  love 
are  snatched  away." 


THE    DEAD    IN    CHRIST. 
By  Bishop  Doane. 

T  IFT  not  thou  the  wailing  voice  ; 

Weep  not,  'tis  a  Christian  dieth ; 
Up,  where  blessed  saints  rejoice, 
Ransomed  now,  the  spirit  flieth. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  279 

High  in  heaven's  own  light  he  dwelleth  ; 
Full  the  song  of  triumph  swelleth ; 
Freed  from  earth,  and  earthly  failing, 
Lift  for  him  no  voice  of  wailing  ! 

Pour  not  thou  the  bitter  tear ! 

Heaven  its  book  of  comfort  op'neth, 
Bids  thee  sorrow  not,  nor  fear. 

But  as  one  who  always  hopeth. 
Humbly  here  in  faith  relying, 
Peacefully  in  Jesus  dying ; 
Heavenly  joy  his  eye  is  flushing,  — 
Why  should  thine  with  tears  be  gushing  ! 

They  who  die  in  Christ  are  blest,  — 
Ours  be  then  no  thought  of  grieving  i 

Sweetly  with  their  God  they  rest ; 
All  their  toils  and  troubles  leaving. 

So  be  ours  the  faith  that  saveth ; 

Hope,  that  every  trial  braveth ; 

Love,  that  to  the  end  endureth. 

And  through  Christ  the  crown  secureth. 

ON   THE   LOSS   OF   A   CHILD.     / 

I  SINCERELY  sympathize  with  you  on  the  loss 
of  your  child ;  but  do  not  suffer  your  spirits  to 
sink.  Remember  the  tenure  on  which  all  human 
enjoyments  are  held,  the  wisdom  and  sovereignty 
of  their  great  Author,  and  the  gracious  promises 
afiforded    to  true   Christians,   that    "  All    things 


280  MISCELLANEOUS. 

shall  work  together  for  good  to  them  that  love 
God." 

Remember,  also,  the  many  blessings  which  a 
kind  Providence  still  allows  you.  Ought  you  not 
to  rejoice  that  your  affectionate  companion  in  life 
is  spared,  and  that  though  your  child  is  snatched 
from  your  embraces,  he  has  escaped  from  a  world 
of  sin  and  sorrow  1  The  stamp  of  immortality  is 
placed  on  his  happiness,  and  he  is  encircled  by  the 
arms  of  his  compassionate  Kedeemer.  Had  he 
been  permitted  to  live,  and  you  had  witnessed  the 
loss  of  his  virtue,  you  might  have  been  reserved  to 
suffer  still  severer  pangs.  A  most  excellent  family 
in  our  congregation  ai'e  now  melancholy  specta- 
tors of  a  son  dying  at  nineteen  yeai's  of  age,  a  vic- 
tim to  his  vices.  They  have  fi-equently  regretted 
he  did  not  die  several  years  since,  when  his  life 
was  nearly  despaii^ed  of  in  a  severe  fever.  "  Who 
knoweth  what  is  good  for  man  all  the  days  of  his 
vain  life,  which  he  spends  as  a  shadow  ?  " 

Read  the  127th  Hymn,  "As  the  sweet  flower 
that  scents  the  morn." 


DEATH   OF   AN    INFANT. 

TTARK  !  how  the  angels,  as  they  fly, 
-*-*•  Sing  through  the  region  of  the  sky, 
Bearing  an  infant  in  their  arms. 
Securely  freed  from  sin's  alarms  1 

"  Welcome,  dear  babe,  to  Jesus'  breast, 
Forever  there  in  joy  to  rest ; 
Welcome  to  Jesus'  courts  above, 
To  sing  the  great  Redeemer's  love. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  281 

'  We  left  the  heavens  and  flew  to  earth, 
To  watch  thee  at  thy  mortal  birth ; 
Obedient  to  thy  Savior's  will, 
We  staid  to  love  and  guard  thee  still. 

"  We,  thy  protecting  angels,  came 
To  see  thee  blessed  in  Jesus'  name  ; 
When  the  baptismal  seal  was  given, 
To  mark  thee,  child,  an  heir  of  heaven. 

"  When  the  resistless  call  of  death 
Bade  thee  resign  thy  infant  breath,  — 
When  parents  wept,  and  thou  didst  smile,— 
We  were  thy  guardians  all  the  while. 

"  Now  with  the  lightning's  speed  we  bear 
The  child  committed  to  our  care ; 
With  anthems  such  as  angels  sing 
We  fly  to  bear  thee  to  our  King." 

Thus  sweetly  borne,  he  flies  to  rest ; 
We  know  'tis  well  —  nay,  more,  'tis  best ; 
When  we  our  pilgrim's  path  have  trod, 
O,  may  we  find  him  with  our  God  ! 

ON    THE    LOSS   OF   A  WIFE. 

I  HAVE  just  been  informed  of  the  loss  of  your 
dear  wife.  She  was  mortal,  but  she  is  now  be- 
come immortal.  Should  this  cause  you  to  grieve 
immoderately  ?     O  that  I  was  where  she  is  now  !  — 


282  MISCELLANEOUS. 

"  Safe  landed  on  that  peaceful  shore, 
Where  pilgrims  meet  to  part  no  more," 

She  was  once  a  mom-ning  sinner  in  the  wil- 
derness, but  is  now  a  glorified  saint  in  Zion.  The 
Lord  has  become  her  everlasting  light,  and  the 
'•  days  of  her  mourning  are  ended."  Does  this 
overwhelm  you  1  She  was  once  afSicted  with 
bodily  pains  and  weakness,  encompassed  with  fam- 
ily cares,  and  harassed  with  a  crowd  of  anxious, 
needless  fears ;  but  she  is  now  at  her  Father's 
house,  and  Jesus  has  wiped  away  all  tears  from  her 
eyes,  and  freed  her  in  a  moment  from  pain,  and 
care,  and  fear,  and  want ;  and  shall  this  make  you 
sorrow  as  those  who  have  no  hope  1 

You  have  not  left  your  wife ;  she  has  only  left 
you  for  a  little  moment, —  left  her  husband  on  earth, 
to  visit  her  Father  in  heaven,  —  and  expects  your 
arrival  there  soon,  to  join  her  hallelujahs  for  re- 
deeming love.  And  are  you  still  weeping  1  weep- 
ing because  your  wife  can  weep  no  more  !  weeping 
because  she  is  happy  !  eternally,  gloriously  happy  1 
weeping  because  she  is  joined  to  the  blessed  assem- 
bly, where  all  are  kings  and  j^riests !  weeping  be- 
cause she  is  where  she  would  be,  and  where  she 
longed  to  be,  eternally !  The  Lord  Jesus  has 
called  her  home  to  his  kingdom,  to  draw  your 
soul  more  ardently  thither;  he  has  broken  up  a 
cistern  to  bring  you  nearer,  and  keep  you  closer, 
to  the  overflowing  fountain  of  all  felicity. 

'Tis  finished  !  the  conflict  is  passed, 

The  heaven-born  spirit  is  fled ; 
Her  wish  is  accomplished  at  last, 

And  now  she's  intombed  with  the  dead. 
The  months  of  affliction  are  o'er, 

The  days  and  nights  of  distress ; 


MISCELLANEOUS.  283 

We  see  her  in  anguish  no  more  — 
She  has  found  a  happy  release. 

No  sickness,  or  sorrow,  or  pain, 

Shall  ever  disquiet  het  now  ; 
For  death  to  her  spirit  was  gain  — 

Since  Christ  was  her  life  when  below. 
Her  soul  has  now  taken  its  flight 

To  mansions  of  glory  above, 
To  mingle  with  angels  of  light. 

And  dwell  in  the  kingdom  of  love. 

The  victory  now  Is  obtained ; 

She  has  gone  her  dear  Savior  to  see  ; 
Her  wishes  she  fully  has  gained  — 

She's  now  where  she  longed  to  be. 
Then  let  us  forbear  to  complain 

That  she  has  now  gone  from  our  sight ; 
"We  soon  shall  behold  her  again, 

With  new  and  redoubled  delight. 

DEATH   OF   FRIENDS. 

T'RIEND  after  friend  departs  ! 
•^      Who  hath  not  lost  a  friend  1 
There  is  no  union  here  of  hearts 

That  finds  not  here  an  end. 
Were  this  frail  world  our  final  rest, 
Living  or  dying,  none  were  blest. 

Beyond  the  flight  of  time. 

Beyond  the  reign  of  death, 
There  surely  is  some  blessed  clime 

Where  life  is  not  a  breath, 


284  MISCELLANEOUS. 

Nor  life's  affections  transient  fire, 
Whose  sparks  fly  upward  and  expire. 

There  is  a  world  ^bove, 

Where  parting  is  unknown  — 
A  long  eternity  of  love, 

Formed  for  the  good  alone. 
And  faith  beholds  the  dying  here 
Translated  to  that  glorious  sphere. 

Thus  star  by  star  declines. 

Till  all  are  passed  away ; 
And  morning  high  and  higher  shines, 

To  pure  and  perfect  day. 
Nor  sink  those  stars  in  empty  night. 
But  hide  themselves  in  heaven's  own  light. 

HAPPINESS   OF   HEAVEN. 

ALL  the  religious  experience  of  earth  affords  but 
a  faint  emblem  of  the  bliss  of  heaven.  The 
delight  that  Christians  now  experience  k-indles  into 
rapture  at  the  thought  of  the  richer  delight  that 
awaits  them  above.  Among  the  children  of  God 
in  heaven,  (all  happy,)  the  degree  of  happiness 
may  vary,  for  it  depends  on  the  capacity  of  enjoy- 
ment possessed  by  each  ;  and  this,  again,  upon  im- 
provement of  character,  and  of  talent,  and  of  trust ; 
and,  therefore,  they  who  have  prepared  most  for 
heaven  will  be  most  happy  in  heaven.  Saints  in 
heaven  are  perfectly  happy,  because  perfectly  holy. 
Here  they  taste  of  the  streams  that  flow  from  the 
infinite  fulness  of  their  Father   and   their  God ; 


MISCELLANEOUS.  285 

there  they  will  have  come  to  the  fountain  itself. 
Have  they  here  received,  now  and  then,  a  bunch 
of  grapes  from  the  better  Canaan  ?  there  they  will 
have  free  and  full  access  to  the  tree  of  life  that  is 
in  the  paradise  of  God.  Here  they  have  many  a 
troubled,  many  a  stormy,  and  many  a  cloudy  day  ; 
there  every  storm  and  peril  is  past ;  and  having 
entered  through  the  gates,  into  the  city,  all  is  peace, 
triumph,  and  perfection.  There  they  shall  have 
everlasting  joy  and  gladness ;  and  sorrow  and 
sighing,  and  clouds  and  shadows,  having  forevon* 
fled  away,  they  shall  abide  under  a  cloudless  sky 
in  regions  of  eternal  bliss.  If  every  step  here  is 
through  a  vale  of  tears,  there  it  is  through  a  land 
of  pure  delights.  In  the  house  of  their  Father 
above  they  shall  hunger  no  more,  nor  thirst  any 
more  ;  neither  shall  the  sun  light  on  them,  nor  any 
heat.  And  if  any  recollection  of  former  sufferings 
remain,  it  will  only  serve  to  enhance  their  enjoy- 
ment and  augment  their  Avonder,  as  they  view  the 
intricate  mazes  through  Avhich  divine  wisdom  con- 
ducted them.  Our  happiness  will  be  made  com- 
plete by  beholding  the  brightness  of  the  Fathers 
glory,  in  the  vision  of  which  we  shall  rejoice  with 
joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory,  by  the  presence 
of  our  Lord  and  Savior  Jesus  Christ.  Yes,  there 
we  shall  see  the  Savior — our  Friend,  our  Priest, 
our  Sacrifice,  our  All.  There  we  shall  love  him 
in  return  for  all  his  infinite  love,  and  bless  and 
worship  him  with  a  growing  adoration  and  dilating 
gratitude  forever  and  ever.  It  will  indeed  be 
heaven  to  see  him  as  he  is,  and  love  with  a  passion 
like  his.  O,  that  exquisiteness  of  joy  !  those  gushes 
of  pure,  perennial  bliss,  which  the  saints  will  ex- 
perience in  singing  praises  and  songs  of  deliver- 
ance to   God  and  the  Lamb  forever !      0,  what 


286  MISCELLANEOUS. 

rapture,  to  be  engaged  in  penetrating  the  mysteries 
of  Providence,  in  listening  to  the  music  of  the 
spheres,  and  the  jubilee  of  the  universe  ;  in  gazing 
with  untold  ecstasy  on  the  face  of  God  and  the 
Lamb,  and  deriving  from  Him,  who  is  the  sea  of 
light  and  love,  fulness  of  joy  and  pleasures  for- 
evermore  !  But  eye  hath  not  seen,  nor  ear  heard, 
neither  hath  it  entered  into  the  heart  of  man  to 
conceive,  what  God  hath  laid  up  for  them  who  love 
him. 

Read  the  199th  Hymn,  "  There  is  a  land  of  pure 
delight." 

Eead  the  28th  Hymn,  "  With  joy  shall  I  behold 
the  day " 

HEAVEN. 

T  IGHT,  peace,  and  joy,  and  righteousness, 
-^     Are  there  in  sinners  seen. 
Washed  in  the  Savior's  precious  blood, 
Holy,  pure,  and  clean. 

Who  would  not  be  with  Christ,  the  Lord, 

Victorious  over  sin  1 
Who  would  not  leave  all  here  to  dwell 

In  bliss  —  in  heaven  with  him  1 

O,  fit  me  for  that  brighter  world, 

Unworthy  though  I  be  ; 
Yet  never  was  that  one  cast  out 

Who  came  by  faith  to  thee. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  287 


ETERNITY. 


ETERNITY  is  the  brightest  jew£l  in  the  tri- 
umphant believer's  crown.  Eternity  makes 
heaven  a  heaven  indeed.  If  the  Christian's  life 
here,  instead  of  being  crowned  with  numerous 
blessings,  were  but  one  scene  of  distress,  yet  with 
eternal  life  as  his  portion,  how  short  would  be  the 
sorrow !  how  long,  how  lasting  the  joy  !  how  short 
the  pain  !  how  endless  the  delight !  how  few  the 
moments  of  grief  and  conflict !  how  many  the  ages 
of  triumph  and  bliss  !  Earth  you  cannot  have 
long,  but  heaven  you  may  have  forever.  Here  you 
cannot  long  enjoy  even  the  poor  fading  pleasures 
of  time,  but  there  you  may  possess  a  whole  eter- 
nity of  blessedness.  How  blissful  the  thought  of 
eternity  must  be  to  those  happy  spirits  that  have 
entered  "the  heavenly  rest"'!  —  ''this  pure,  un- 
bounded happiness,  this  world  of  bliss,  and  light, 
and  joy  forever  "  !  Infinite  ages  shall  roll  away, 
vast  eternity  still  glide  along ;  but  not  one  sorrow 
will  they  know,  not  one  sigh  will  escape  their 
hearts,  not  one  tear  drop  from  their  eyes,  not  one 
joy  will  they  lose,  not  one  passing  cloud  will  bedim 
their  day.  In  Emanuel's  land  will  they  ever 
dwell ;  still  will  they  enjoy  the  blessings  of  their 
Father's  love  and  of  their  Redeemer's  favor  in  the 
highest  perfection,  nor  ever  fear  the  loss  of  what 
they  have.  Eternity  is  the  measure  of  their 
bliss.  And  what  is  eternity  1  Who  can  describe 
if?  who  can  comprehend  it?  None.  Were  the 
house  you  inhabit  to  be  filled  with  the  finest  sand, 
and  then  emptied  so  slowly  that  but  the  smallest 
grain  should  be  taken  out  once  in  ten  thousand  years, 
how  many  millions  of  ages  would  pass  away  before 


288  MISCELLANEOUS. 

the  last  gi-ain  were  removed  !  Yet,  compared  with 
eternity,  those  countless  years  would  be  like  the 
twinkling  of  an  eye.  Again:  were  the  mighty 
seas,  which  dash  their  waves  upon  so  many  shores, 
to  be  suddenly  changed  into  one  mass  of  ink,  and 
then  to  be  employed  in  numbering  down  figures, 
and  the  least  tigure  to  signify  a  million  of  years, 
what  countless  ages  would  be  numbered  down  be- 
fore the  seas  were  emptied !  yet  he  who  wrote  the 
last  figure  might  say,  "  These  ages  are  not  eternity ; 
they  are  nothingness  itself  compared  with  that  — 
less  than  one  drop  to  all  the  sea,  less  than  one  mo- 
ment to  all  those  infinite  years ;  they  ai-e  like  a 
tale  that  is  told,  or  a  sigh  that  is  forgotten.  Once 
more  :  were  this  vast  world  one  mass  of  sand,  and 
were  God  to  create  as  many  worlds  as  there  might 
be  grains  of  sand  in  this,  and  were  he  then  to  com- 
mission an  angel  to  destroy  them  all  by  removing 
grain  after  grain,  yet  so  slowly  that  he  should  re- 
move but  one  grain  in  a  million  of  years,  what 
millions,  and  millions,  and  millions  of  years,  be- 
yond all  thought  and  conception,  would  pass  away 
before  one  world  was  thus  destroyed  !  and  O,  how 
many,  before  all  these  numbers  were  !  What  an 
eternity  would  be  here  !  An  eternity  1  No,  not  a 
moment  compared  with  it.  Sand  after  sand  would 
be  remove-d,  though  at  so  infinitely  slow  a  rate ; 
world  after  world  would  be  destroyed,  and  the  an- 
gel would  finish  his  task  —  but  finish  not  etei-nity. 
Eternitji  would  he  eternity  still.  One  grain  of  sand 
would  bear  some  proportion  to  these  numberless 
worlds,  one  moment  to  these  countless  millions  of 
ages,  but  all  these  would  bear  none  to  eternity ; 
when  they  were  past,  it  would  still  be  "  beginning, 
rather  than  beginning  to  begin."  And  had  we  lived 
through  these  inconceivably  countless  years,  when 


MISCELLANEOUS.  289 

we  had  seen  them  pass,  and  even  pass  a  thousand 
years  over,  we  might  still  say,  "  But  a  moment  of 
eternity  is  passed."  Beyond  ages  that  we  might 
almost  deem  an  eternity,  other  eternities  would  rise 
in  endless  succession.  Such  is  the -"forever"  of 
heaven.  And  this  eternity  is  yours,  and  it  is  mine ; 
and  in  this  we  must  live  either  in  happiness  or 
misery 

Be  this,  then,  our  great  business  here, 
"With  holy  trembling,  holy  fear, 

To  make  our  calling  sure, 
God's  utmost  counsel  to  fulfil, 
And  suffer  all  his  righteous  will, 

And  to  the  end  endure. 

Thus  doing,  we  shall  be  received  into  heaven 
with  the  glorious  testimony  of  our  Lord,  *'  Weli. 

DONE,    GOOD    AND    FAITHFUL   SERTANT  ;    ENTEK 
INTO   THE  JOr   OF   THE   LOKD." 
1» 


290  MISCELLANEOUS. 

THE    HOLY   CITT. 

ORIGINAL. 

Rev.  xxi.  11-27. 

TT  OL Y  city,  endless  glory 

Eloods  thy  courts  with  heavenly  light, 
Far  above  the  glittering  crystal, 

Dazzling  stones,  or  suns  more  bright. 
Lofty  walls  of  polished  jasper, 

Gates  of  solid  pearl,  are  thine  ; 
Streets  of  gold,  as  glass  transparent, 

God  the  temple  and  the  shrine. 
There  the  saved  of  all  the  nations 

Shall  in  bliss  forever  dwell ; 
Kings  to  it  shall  bring  their  glory, 

And  its  honor  nations  tell. 
In  the  book  of  life,  the  written, 

Saved  through  Christ,  as  heirs  shall  como, 
Ever  blessed  of  the  Eather, 

Welcomed  to  their  glorious  home. 

Holy  Father,  wilt  thou  hearken  1 

Answer  to  thy  children's  pi'ayer : 
By  the  cross  of  our  dear  Savior, 

By  the  ransom  purchased  there, 
By  thine  own  forgiving  mercy. 

Pardoned,  blessed,  0,  do  thou  bring 
Us  all  to  thy  holy  city, 

There  to  praise  thee,  God  and  King. 


As  this  book  may  be  extensively  used  by  Sun- 
flay  school  teachers,  and  as  the  subject  of  baptism 
is  one  (especially  in  country  Sunday  schools)  in 
reference  to  which  very  unscriptural  notions  are 
entertained,  the  author  has  thought  proper  to  ap- 
pend here  the  following  short  Address  on  the  sub- 
ject, written  and  delivered  by  himself,  some  years 
ago,  to  the  school  under  his  charge.  The  poetical 
address,  that  follows,  is  from  the  pen  of  an  Eng- 
lish lady,  and   is  very  beautiful  and  appropriate. 

AlSr   ADDRESS    TO     SUNDAY     SCHOLARS    IN    RELA- 
TION  TO   BAPTISM. 

MY  Young  Eriends:  I  intend  to  address  you, 
this  morning,  on  the  subject  of  baptism.  ^  As 
the  rite  is  one  of  a  very  solemn  character,  it  is 
important  that  you  should  well  understand  it.  In 
speaking  to  you  on  the  subject,  therefore,  I  ^yill 
endeavor  to  suit  my  language  to  your  capacities, 
and  to  express  myself  as  plainly  as  possible.  Let 
me  have  your  serious  attention  then  for  a  short 
time  ;  and  may  God  bless  what  I  shall  say,  to  your 
good. 

You  will  understand  then,  dear  children,  that 
baptism  is  the  appointed  way  of  admission  into  the 
church  —  the  door  of  admission,  as  it  were.  The 
church  is  a  visible  society  of  faithful  people  —  of 

(291) 


292  APPENDIX. 

those  who  profess  to  live  after  the  example  of 
Christ.  Now,  in  order  for  persons  to  get  into  this 
society,  they  must  be  baptized.  And  the  reason 
why  they  must  receive  the  rite  is,  because  Christ 
has  enjoined  it  upon  all  his  followers.  He  himself 
submitted  to  it,  and  did  so  mainly  to  set  an  exam- 
ple of  obedience  to  God's  commands.  Indeed,  he 
has  intimated  that  unless  we  receive  the  ordinance 
we  cannot  be  saved  —  that  is,  when  the  same  can. 
be  had,  and  is  wilfully  neglected.  "  He  that  believ- 
eth  and  is  baptized"  says  the  Savior,  "  shall  be 
saved."  "  Except  a  man  be  born  of  water  and  of 
the  Spirit,  he  cannot  enter  into  the  kingdom  of 
God."  You  see,  then,  how  important  the  rite  is, 
and  how  dangerous  it  is  to  neglect  it.  I  hope  that 
such  of  you,  therefore,  as  have  not  yet  been  bap- 
tized will  think  seriously  of  the  subject,  and  en- 
deavor to  prepare  yourselves  as  soon  as  possible  for 
the  due  reception  of  the  ordinance ;  and  thus  in- 
troduce yourselves  into  the  family  of  God,  and  be- 
come partakers  of  all  the  blessings  and  privileges 
of  the  gospel. 

By  baptism,  children,  we  enter  into  covenant  — 
into  agreement  with  God.  Now,  what  the  nature 
of  this  is,  you  doubtless  all  know.  God  agrees,  on 
his  part,  to  wash  away  all  our  sins,  to  renew  and 
purify  our  hearts  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  to  admit  us 
into  iiis  church  militant  here  upon  earth,  to  entitle 
us  to  all  its  glorious  blessings  and  privileges,  and 
finally  to  take  us  into  his  church  triumphant  in 
heaven.  We,  on  our  part,  agree  to  separate  our- 
selves from  this  wicked  world,  to  renounce  its  sin- 
ful pleasures  and  pursuits,  and  to  live  soberly, 
righteously,  and  godly  in  the  world ;  to  manifest 
to  the  world  about  us,  by  the  purity  and  holiness 
of  our  lives,  that  we  are  indeed  "  the  sons  and 


APPENDIX.  293 

daughters  of  the  Almighty  "  —  a  peculiar  people, 
bound  by  baptismal  obligations  to  devote  ourselves 
wholly  to  his  service,  and  to  let  our  light  shine  to 
his  praise  and  glory. 

Such  is  the  nature  of  the  agreement  between  God 
and  baptized  persons.  And  a  most  solemn  one  it 
is ;  on  which  account  it  should  not  be  entered  into 
rashly  or  inconsiderately.  Before  individuals  re- 
ceive baptism,  therefore,  they  should  carefully  con- 
sider the  nature  of  its  obligations,  and  sincerely 
determine  to  live  in  strict  accordance  with  the  same. 
For  unless  they  do  so,  unless  their  lives  correspond 
with  their  profession,  unless  they  approve  them- 
selves Christ's  faithful  soldiers  and  servants,  their 
baptism  will  be  of  no  advantage  to  them,  but,  on 
the  contrary,  will  only  add  to  their  condemnation. 

Hence  it  is  that  the  church  requires  suital)le 
qualifications  on  the  part  of  those  who  thus  offer 
themselves  as  candidates  for  this  ordinance.  What 
these  are,  I  will  now  proceed  to  tell  you. 

The  qualifications  alluded  to  are  repentance  and 
faith.  Persons  coming  to  be  baptized  must  come 
with  penitent  hearts  —  with  hearts  deeply  sensible 
of  their  sinfulness,  and  of  their  need  of  forgiveness, 
and  they  must  be  determined  to  live  in  strict  obe- 
dience to  the  will  of  God.  They  must  be  willing 
to  renounce  all  the  sinful  pleasures  and  practices 
of  the  world,  to  place  their  affections  supremely 
upon  God  and  heaven,  and  not  only  to  be  harmless 
and  blameless  in  their  lives,  but  to  let  their  light 
shine  to  the  praise  and  glory  of  the  divine  grace. 
And  when  they  present  themselves  before  the  min- 
ister of  God  for  baptism,  they  must,  in  the  presence 
of  God  and  the  congregation  of  his  people,  make  an 
open  confession  of  their  faith  in  him,  and  of  their 
desired  devotion  to  him  and  in  his  service  ;  being 


294  APPENDIX. 

willing  to  enlist  under  his  banners  against  sin,  the 
world,  and  the  devil,  and  to  continue  his  faithful 
soldiers  and  servants  to  their  life's  end.  When 
they  are  ready  to  do  this,  —  when  they  are  ready 
to  make  the  full  surrender  of  themselves,  soul  and 
body,  to  God,  and  solemnly  to  pledge  themselves 
to  the  performance  of  his  will, — then  it  is  that 
they  are  qualified  to  be  baptized,  and  to  be  admit- 
ted into  the  family  of  God.  And  then  baptism  is 
of  real  advantage  to  them,  inasmuch  as  it  confers 
upon  them  all  the  blessings  and  privileges  of  the 
covenant  of  grace  in  Christ  Jesus.  "  Sprinkled 
with  the  baptismal  water,  all  their  sins  are  Avashed 
away,  the  grace  of  adoption  descends  upon  them, 
and  they  are  received  as  the  children  of  God ; 
born  of  God  —  born  of  water  and  of  the  Spirit  — 
regenerated,  forgiven,  washed,  sanctified,  the  heirs 
of  eternal  glory." 

From  what  has  been  said  in  reference  to  the  sub- 
ject of  baptism,  you  must  have  perceived,  my  dear 
young  friends,  that  its  privileges  are  great,  and  that 
the  responsibilities  imposed  upon  its  recipients  are 
very  solemn.  As  the  majority  of  you  have  already 
received  the  ordinance,  I  shall  now  make  a  few  re- 
marks of  a  practical  character,  by  way  of  appro- 
priate conclusion. 

And  how  can  I  better  commence  than  in  the 
words  of  the  apostle  —  "  Beloved,  noAv  are  ye  the 
children  of  God,"  "  the  sons  and  daughters  of  the 
Almighty,"  privileged  to  look  up  to  him  as  to  a 
Father  —  the  Spirit  in  your  hearts  witnessing  with 
your  spirit  that  ye  are  his  children,  and  disposing 
you  at  all  times  to  approach  him  with  filial  love 
and  confidence,  and  to  cry,  "  Abba,  Father  "  I  What 
a  privilege  this !  especially  when  connected  with 
the  fact,  that  if  children,  then  "  heirs,"  heu:s  with 


APPENDIX.  295 

Christ  of  all  the  glories  and  felicities  of  heaven. 
Truly  may  we  exclaim  with  the  apostle.  "  What 
manner  of  love  is  this  that  the  Father  hath  be- 
stowed upon  us !  "  "  0,  the  height,  aiKl  depth,  and 
length,  and  breadth  of  the  love  of  God  !  how  un- 
fathomable his  love !  how  great  his  goodness  ! " 

My  dear  young  friends,  can  any  of  you  think  of 
this  amazing  love  and  condescension  of  your  heav- 
enly Father  towards  you,  without  feeling  prompted 
to  give  utterance  to  sentiments  of  a  character  sim- 
ilar to  what  is  expressed  in  your  Sunday  School 
Hymnl 

"  Great  God,  and  wilt  thou  condescend 
To  be  our  Father  and  our  Friend  1 
Poor  children  we,  and  thou  so  high  — 
The  Lord  of  earth,  and  air,  and  sky. 

"Art  thou  our  Father!    Let  us,  then. 
Be  obedient  children  unto  thee ; 
And  strive  in  word,  and  deed,  and  thought, 
To  serve  and  please  thee  as  we  ought." 

Yes,  children,  let  such  indeed  be  your  conduct. 
*'Be  followers  of  God,  as  dear  children,"  and 
"  walk  worthy  of  the  vocation  wherewith  ye  are 
called."  "  Live  as  children  of  light,"  and  let 
"  your  light  so  shine,  that  others,  seeing  your  good 
works,  may  glorify  your  Father  which  is  in  heav- 
en." Bearing  on  your  foreheads  the  cross  of 
Christ,  the  emblem  of  your  religion,  let  "  Holi- 
ness TO  THE  Lord  "  be  visibly  inscribed  there,  as 
well  as  upon  all  your  conduct.  Put  on  "  holiness 
as  a  garment,  and  array  yourselves  in  the  vesture 
of  righteousness."  Let  the  lovely  image  of  your 
Savior  be  formed  in  your  souls,  and  shine  resplen- 


296  APPENDIX. 

dent  in  your  characters.  Like  him,  as  you  increase 
in  stature,  increase  in  grace  and  wisdom,  and  adorn 
his  doctrine  in  all  things.  Yes,  and  let  the  cross, 
the  token  of  your  profession,  which  you  bear  on 
your  bi'ow,  be  your  glory  and  your  boast ;  and 
eA^er  fight  manfully,  and  as  good  soldiers,  the  fight 
of  faith,  looking  unto  Jesus,  the  Captain  of  your 
salvation,  for  strength  and  ability  to  do  so. 

Strong  in  the  Lord  of  hosts. 

And  in  his  mighty  power, 
Who  in  the  strength  of  Jesus  trusts 

Is  more  than  conqueror. 

Stand  then  in  his  great  mighty 
With  all  his  strength  endued  ; 

And  take,  to  arm  you  for  the  flight, 
The  panoply  of  God. 

Thus  do,  my  young  friends  ;  and  then,  when  ye 
shall  have  "  fouglit  the  fight,  and  have  finished 
your  course,"  it  shall  be  your  happy  privilege  to 
receive  that  "  crown  of  righteousness,"  which  God 
hath  promised  to  those  who  serve  him ;  as  well, 
also,  the  joyful  commendation,  "  Well  done,  good 
and  faithful  servants,  enter  into  the  joy  of  your 
Lord."  May  this  be  the  happy  privilege  of  all 
present. 

ADDRESS    TO    ONE    WHO    HAS    JUST    BEEN     BAP- 
TIZED. 

pHRISTIAN  soldier,  on  thy  brow 
^  Rests  the  seal  of  glory  now ; 
Thou  art  offered  at  the  shrine 
Of  thy  Savior's  love  divine ; 


APPENDIX.  297 

Thou  art  entered  for  the  strife, 
Glorious  fight  for  crown  and  life  •, 
Raised  from  death,  from  wrath,  and  sin. 
Raised  to  conquer  all  through  Him. 
Christian  soldier,  thine  must  be 
One  deep  strife  for  mastery ; 
For  that  sign  of  love  will  bring 
Foes  around  thee,  swift  of  wing  — 
Powers  of  darkness,  strong  and  wild, 
Foes  Avho  hate  thee,  Christian  child  ; 
Ever  near  thee,  gazing  now 
On  that  fair  and  holy  brow, 
Hating  with  a  lost  one's  hate, 
Armed  with  death  and  power  they  wait ; 
Armed  with  terror's  sword,  I  see 
Enemies  to  God  and  thee. 

Christian  soldier,  thou  must  fight 
'Neath  that  banner  mom  and  night  ; 
Thou  must  watch,  a  soldier  true, 
In  the  lists  of  heaven  and  you. 
Fight  and  conquer,  strive  and  win  ; 
War  with  Satan,  wrath,  and  sin  ; 
"War  with  death,  for  Christ  will  save 
Thee  from  terror,  from  the  grave. 
Trust  in  greater  strength  than  thine  j 
Victory  waits  thee  —  love  divine. 
Here  thy  path  is  cold  and  drear, 
Sin,  temptations,  all  are  near  ; 


298  APPENDIX. 

Here  an  everlasting  fight 
'Gainst  the  power  of  woe  and  night  i 
But  thy  weapons,  firm  and  sure, 
Will  from  age  to  age  endure ; 
Given  when  the  darkness  lay 
On  Mount  Calvary,  that  day 
When  a  weeping  world  could  see 
There  the  sinner  saved  and  free ; 
Given  by  a  bleeding  Lord, 
Dipped  in  fountains  of  his  blood. 

Christian  soldier,  triumph  now, 
Gaze  in  faith  upon  that  brow ; 
There  the  crown  of  thorns  behoW, 
Ransomed  not  by  pearls  or  gold. 
Ransomed  one,  look  up  and  see 
Who  hast  died  to  set  thee  free  ; 
View  thy  foes  all  trembling  stand, 
Shrinking  from  an  angel  band 
That  surround  the  dying  one  — 
God's  almighty,  suffering  Son. 
See  !  they  dare  not  meet  tnee  now, 
As  at  Jesus'  feet  you  bow : 
See  !  they  leave  thee,  backward  fall, 
As  you  whisper,  Christ  is  all. 
Fear  them  not  —  thy  fight  and  strife 
Is  for  everlasting  life  ! 
Faith  can  show  me  thy  fair  hair, 
Crowned  with  glory,  bright  and  fair  j 


APPENDIX.  299 

Radiant  wings,  and  lips  which  sing 
Ever  to  thy  heavenly  King. 
Forth  then,  soldier,  on  thy  way 
To  the  realms  of  perfect  day  ! 
Forth  then,  Christian  soldier,  go 
On  thy  narrow  path  below  ! 
Soon  this  checkered  life  will  end, 
Soon  thou'lt  meet  a  changeless  Friend  , 
Short  the  time,  and  all  will  prove 
Peace,  and  joy,  and  endless  love. 
Go,  rejoicing  on  thy  way. 
Triumphing  with  seraph's  lay ; 
Bidding  all  thy  foes  begone. 
Strong  in  Christ,  young  Christian,  on  1 
Girt  with  power,  as  a  sword. 
Bom  to  conquer  in  thy  Lord. 


Since  the  publication  of  "  The  Coaf- 
PANiON,"  the  author  has  deemed  it  proper 
to  enlarge  and  to  otherwise  improve  the 
work.  In  its  present  form  he  flatters  him- 
self that  its  usefulness  will  be  much  in- 
creased, and  that  it  will  continue  to  merit 
the  approbation  of  the  Christian*  public. 
Upon  examination  of  its  pages  it  will  be 
found  that  it  can  now  be  used  with  much 
comfort  and  edification  by  the  Christian, 
not  only  in  the  chamber  of  the  sick,  but 
by  himself  in  private.  May  the  divine 
blessing  ever  accompany  its  perusal. 


3fii5tBlkiiBnii3, 


THE    YOUNG. 

I  WOULD  speak  affectionately  to  you  who  are 
in  the  bloom  of  your  days,  and  conjure  you,  "if 
there  be  any  virtue,  and  if  there  be  any  praise," 
to  "  remember  your  Creator  in  the  days  of  your 
youth."  Whilst  you  are  still  strangers  to  the  se- 
ductions of  an  insnaring  v/orld,  1  would  warn 
you  against  the  evils  which  will  gird  you  round 
when  you  go  forth  from,  the  peaceful  asylums  of 
your  childhood,  and  mix,  as  you  unavoidably  must, 
with  those  who  lie  in  wait  to  destroy  the  unwary. 
I  would  tell  you  that  there  is  no  happiness  but  in 
the  fear  of  the  Almighty ;  that,  if  you  would  so  pass 
through  life  as  not  to  tremble  and  quail  at  the 
approach  of  death,  make  it  your  morning  and 
your  evening  prayer  that  the  Holy  Spirit  may 
take  possession  of  your  souls,  and  lead  you  so  to 
love  the  Lord  Jesus  in  sincerity  that  you  may 
not  be  allured  from  the  holiness  of  religion  by 
any  of  the  devices  of  a  wicked  generation.  You 
read  of  a  monarch  who  wept  as  his  countless  army 
passed  before  him,  staggered  by  the  thought  that 
yet  a  few  years  and  those  stirring  hosts  would 
lie  motionless  in  the  chambers  of  the  grave. 
Might  not  a  Christian  minister  weep  over  you,  as 
he  gazes  on  the  freshness  of  your  days,  and  con- 
siders that  it  is  but  too  possible  that  you  may 
hereafter  give  ear  to  the  scorner  and  the  seducer  ? 
Thus  might  the  buds  of  early  promise  be  nipped, 
1  (1) 


2  MISCELLANEOUS. 

and  it  mig:ht  come  to  pass  that  j'ou,  the  children, 
it  may  be,  of  pious  parents,  over  whose  infancy 
a  godly  father  may  have  watched,  and  whose  open- 
ing hours  may  have  been  guarded  by  the  tender 
solicitudes  of  a  righteous  mother,  would  entail  on 
yourselves  a  heritage  of  shame,  and  go  down  at 
the  judgment  into  the  pit  of  the  unbeliever  and 
the  protligiite.  Let  this  warning  word  be  remem- 
bered by  you  all :  it  is  simple  enough  for  the 
youngest :  it  is  important  enough  for  the  oldest. 
You  cannot  begin  too  soon  to  serve  the  Lord,  but 
you  may  easily  put  it  off  too  long  ;  and  the  thing 
which  will  be  least  regretted  when  you  come  to 
die  is,  that  you  gave  the  first  days  of  existence  to 
preparation  for  heaven. 

THE   BIBLE. 

¥E  are  bound  to  sit  down  to  the  study  of  Scrip- 
ture with  a  meek  and  chastened  understand- 
ing. We  tell  the  3'oung  more  especially,  who,  in 
the  pride  of  an  undisciplined  intellect,  would  turn 
to  St.  Paul  as  they  turn  to  Bacon  or  Locke,  argu- 
ing that  what  was  written  for  man  must  be  com- 
prehensible by  man,  —  we  tell  them  that  nothing  is 
excellent  out  of  its  place  ;  and  that,  in  the  exami- 
nation of  Scripture,  then  only  does  Reason  show 
herself  noble,  when,  conscious  of  the  presence  of 
a  king,  the  knee  is  bent  and  the  head  uncovered. 
The  docility  and  suhmissiveness  of  a  child  alone  hejit 
the  student  of  the  Bible;  and  if  we  would  not  have 
the  whole  volume  darkened,  its  simplest  truths 
eluding  the  grasp  of  our  understanding,  or  gain- 
ing, at  least,  no  hold  on  our  affections,  we  must  lay 
aside  the  feelings  which  we  carry  into  the  domains 
of  science  and  philosophy ;  not  arming  ourselvea 


MISCELLANEOUS.  3 

with  a  chivalrous  resolve  to  conquer,  but  with  one 
which  it  is  a  thousand  fold  harder  either  to  form  or 
execute — to  yield. 

IF  we  live  as  Christians,  then  the  Lord  will 
delight  to  hear  our  requests,  our  thanksgivings 
will  abound,  and  "  our  joy  will  be  full."  Our  souls 
will  daily  become  more  and  more  enriched  with  all 
spiritual  graces  and  blessings  ;  and  we  shall  not  only 
attain  "  to  the  full  assurance  of  hope,"  but  shall 
ardently  long  for  the  period  when  death  shall  lib- 
erate our  spirits,  and  put  them  in  possession  of  the 
felicity  of  heaven. 

COMMUNION  with  God  here  is  the  first  dawn- 
ings  of  heaven,  the  first  gladsome  appearings 
of  glory;  the  meridian,  the  noonday,  of  happiness 
is  in  heaven.  When  God  dwells  with  the  soul, 
and  continues  to  grant  communion,  heaven  is  with 
that  soul.     Where  the  king  is,  there  is  the  court. 

GOD  is  ever  ready  to  grant,  and  to  exceed  our 
prayers  for  promised  blessings ;  and  we  are  our 
own  enemies  if  we  do  not  ask  and  expect  great 
things  from  him,  for  the  merits  and  through  the 
intercession  of  his  Son,  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

THOSE  trees  flourish  most  and  bear  the  sweetest 
fruit  which  stand  most  in  the  sun.  The  pray- 
ing Christian  is  nigh  to  God,  and  hath  God  nigh 
to  him,  in  all  he  calls  upon  him  for ;  and  there- 
fore his  fruit  is  not  only  plentiful,  but  sweet  and 
ripe,  whereas  he  that  stands,  as  it  were,  in  the 
shade,  and  at  a  distance  from  God.  (through  neg- 
lect of  duty,)  has  but  little  fruit  on  his  branches, 
and  that  green  and  sour. 


MISCELLANEOUS. 


AS  much  as  lies  in  thy  power,  shun  worldly  com- 
pany ;  for  much  conversation  on  worldly  af- 
fairs, however  innocently  managed,  greatly  retards 
the  progress  of  the  spiritual  life. 

'\/l7'ITH0UT  perpetual  loatchfuhiess  and  diligence 
'»  holiness  can  never  be  attained;  for  the  mo- 
ment we  begin  to  relax  in  these,  we  feel  inward 
imbecility,  disorder,  and  disquietude.  We  will 
make  greater  advances  in  imitating  the  life  of 
Christ  in  proportion  to  the  greater  violence  with 
which  we  deny  ourselves. 


WORLDLY   MINDEDNESS. 

IT  is  our  great  unhappiness  that  the  soul  is  al- 
ways in  the  senses,  and  the  senses  are  always 
upon  the  world  :  we  converse  with  the  world,  we 
talk  of  the  world,  we  think  of  the  world,  we  project 
for  the  world ;  and  what  can  this  produce  but  a 
worldly  frame  of  mind  ?  We  must  meditate  heav- 
enly things,  we  must  have  our  conversation  in 
heaven,  we  must  accustom  ourselves  to  inward 
and  heavenly  pleasures,  if  we  will  have  heavenly 
minds.  We  must  let  no  day  pass  wherein  we  must 
not  sequester  ourselves  from  the  world,  that  we 
may  converse  wath  God  and  our  own  souls.  This 
will  soon  enable  us  to  disdain  the  low  and  beggar- 
ly satisfactions  of  the  outward  man,  and  make  us 
long  to  be  set  free  from  the  weight  of  this  corrupt- 
ible body,  to  breathe  in  purer  air,  and  take  our  fill 
of  refined  and  spiritual  pleasure. 


MISCKLLANEOU8. 


HOLINESS   OF   HEAVEN. 


HOW  vain  must  be  our  hope  of  entering  into 
heaven,  if  we  have  no  present  delight  in  what 
are  said  to  be  its  joys  !  A  Christian  finds  his  hap- 
piness in  holiness ;  and  therefore,  when  he  looks 
forward  to  heaven,  it  is  the  holiness  of  the  scene 
and  association  on  which  he  fastens  as  affording 
the  happiness.  He  is  not  in  love  with  an  Arcadian 
paradise,  Avith  the  green  pastures,  and  tlie  flowing 
waters,  and  the  minstrelsy  of  many  harpers.  He 
is  not  dreaming  of  a  bright  island  where  he  shall 
meet  buried  kinsfolk,  and,  renewing  domestic  char- 
ities, live  human  life  again  in  all  but  its  cares,  and 
tears,  and  partings.  "  Be  ye  holy,  for  I  am  holy ; " 
this  is  the  precept,  attempted  conformity  to  which 
is  the  business  of  a  Christian's  life,  perfect  con- 
formity to  which  shall  be  the  blessedness  of  heaven. 
Let  us  therefore  take  heed  that  we  deceive  not 
ourselves.  The  apostle  speaks  of  "tasting  the 
powers  of  the  world  to  come,"  as  though  heaven 
were  to  begin  on  this  side  the  grave.  We  may 
be  enamoured  of  heaven,  because  we  think  that 
"  there  the  wicked  cease  from  troubling,  and  the 
weary  are  at  rest."  We  may  be  enchanted  with 
the  poetry  of  its  descriptions,  and  fascinated  by 
the  brilliancy  of  its  colorings,  as  the  evangelist 
John  relates  his  visions,  and  sketches  the  scenery 
on  which  he  was  privileged  to  gaze.  But  all  this 
does  not  prove  us  on  the  high  road  to  heaven. 
Again  we  say,  that,  if  it  be  heaven  towards  which 
we  journey,  it  will  be  holiness  in  which  we  delight ; 
for  if  we  cannot  now  rejoice  in  having  God  for  our 
portion,  where  is  our  meetness  for  a  world  in  which 
God  is  to  be  all  in  all,  forever  and  forever  ? 


9  MISCELLANEOUS. 

TRIALS    OF    THE    CHRISTIAN. 

IT  is  our  nature  to  rejoice  wlien  all  within  and 
without  is  undisturbed ;  the  miracle  is  to  "  re- 
joice in  tribulation,"  and  this  miracle  is  contin- 
ually wrought  as  the  believer  presses  through  the 
wilderness.  The  harp  of  the  human  spirit  never 
yields  such  sweet  music  as  when  its  framework 
is  most  shattered  and  its  strings  are  most  torn. 
Then  it  is,  when  the  world  pronounces  the  instru- 
ment useless,  and  man  would  put  it  away  as  inca- 
pable of  melody,  that  the  finger  of  God  delights  in 
touching  it,  and  draws  from  it  a  fine  swell  of  har- 
mony. Come  night,  come  calamity,  come  afflic- 
tion !  God  still  says  to  his  people,  as  he  said  to 
the  Jews  when  expecting  the  irruption  of  the  As- 
syrian, "  Ye  shall  have  a  song  as  in  the  night." 

THE  whole  course  of  a  man's  life  out  of  Christ 
is  nothing  but  a  continual  ti-ading  in  vanity; 
running  a  circle  of  toil  and  labor,  and  reaping  no 
profit  at  all. 

OLOST  to  virtue,  lost  to  manly  thought, 
?  Lost  to  the"  noble  sallies  of  the  soul, 
Who  think  it  solitude  to  be  alone  ! 
Communion  sweet,  communion  large  and  high, 
Our  reason,  guardian  angel,  and  our  God  — 
Then  nearest  these  when  others  most  remote ; 
And  all,  ere  long,  shall  be  remote  but  these. 

GOD,  and  Christ,  and  the  things  of  eternity  are 
suited  to  the  soul;  they  are  spiritual,  like  thy 
spiritual  and  better  part ;  and  though  to  a  carnal  heart 


MISCELLANEOUS.  7 

these  seem  but  empty  and  notional  things,  yet  a 
child  of  God  tastes  more  sweetness  and  comfort  in 
these  things  than  in  whatever  the  world  can  present 
unto  him.  The  love  of  God,  the  consolations  of 
his  Spirit,  actings  of  grace,  hopes  of  glory,  —  these 
invisible  things,  —  these  are  the  true  riches. 

THE  whole  life  of  a  Christian  here  on  earth  is 
but,  as  it  were,  one  continued  sitting  under  the 
hand  and  pencil  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  till  those  first 
lines  and  obscurer  shadows  which  were  laid  in  his 
new  birth  receive  more  life,  sweetness,  and  beauty 
from  his  progressive  sanctification ;  and  this  is  a 
being  "  changed  from  glory  to  glory." 

WHO  can  estimate  the  blessedness  of  a  pious 
soul  ?  Can  that  soul  be  unhappy  that  is  full 
of  the  Holy  Ghost,  full  of  love,  joy,  peace,  &c.,  &c., 
those  blessed  fruits  of  that  blessed  Spii-it^  This 
soul  is  a  temple  of  holiness.  Here  dwells  a  Deity 
in  his  glory.  It  is  a  paradise  —  a  garden  of  God. 
Here  he  walks  and  converses  daily,  delighted  with 
its  fruitfulness.  He  that  hath  these  things,  and 
aboundeth,  is  not  barren  nor  unfruitful  in  the 
knowledge  of  our  Lord  and  Savior.  He  is  the 
Sun,  and  the  knowledge  of  him  the  quickening 
beams  that  cherish  and  ripen  these  fruits.  But  the 
soul  that  lacketh  these  things  is  a  desert,  a  habita- 
tion of  Satan  and  of  unclean  things. 

TO  thee,  O  Christian,  it  is  given  to  hold  com- 
munion with  the  Creator,  to  become  tlie  friend 
of  the  Almighty.  Tmly  your  fellowship  is  with 
the  Father,  and  his  Son  Jesus  Christ.  If  it  be 
great  and  honorable  to  be  near  the  person  and 
around  the  throne  of  an  earthly  king,  how  truly 


8  MISCELLANEOUS. 

glorious  are  they  whom  the  King  of  glory  delight- 
eth  to  honor  !  The  mind  never  makes  nobler  ex- 
ertions, is  never  so  conscious  of  its  native  grandeur 
and  ancient  dignity,  as  when  holding  high  converse 
with  its  Creator.  The  heart  never  feels  such  un- 
speakable peace  as  when  it  is  fixed  on  Him  who 
made  it ;  as  when  its  affections  go  out  on  the  su- 
preme beauty  ;  as  when  it  rests  upon  the  Rock  of 
Ages,  and  is  held  within  the  circle  of  the  everlast- 
ing arms. 

It  is  some  consolation  —  it  is  some  relief  —  to 
open  our  hearts  to  men ;  to  tell  our  sorrows  to  a 
friend,  who  can  give  us  no  relief  but  by  mingling 
his  tears  with  ours.  What  consolation,  what  relief, 
will  it  then  give,  to  open  our  hearts  and  tell  our 
sorrows  to  that  Friend  above,  who  never  fails,  who 
sympathizes  with  us  in  all  our  afflictions,  and  who 
keeps  us  as  the  apple  of  his  eye  !  Art  thou  there- 
fore oppressed  with  the  calamities  of  life  "?  Is  thy 
head  bowed  down  with  affliction,  or  thy  heart  bro- 
ken with  sorrow  1  Approach  to  the  altar ;  go  to 
God ;  present  to  him  the  prayer  of  thy  heart,  and 
he  will  send  thee  help  from  his  holy  hill.  By  ap- 
proaching God  we  become  like  God.  By  devo- 
tion on  earth  we  anticipate  the  work  of  heaven ; 
we  join  ourselves  beforehand  to  the  society  of 
angels  and  blessed  spirits  above  ;  we  already  enter 
upon  the  delightful  employments  of  eternity,  and 
begin  the  song  which  is  heard  forever  around  the 
throne  of  God. 

HOPE  THE  ANCHOR  OF  THE  CHRISTIAN'S  SOUL 
UNDER  TROUBLE. 


¥ 


HEN  tribulation  comes,  and  the  crested  waves 
are  swelling  higher  and  higher,  why  should 


MISCELLANEOUS. 


you  expect  him  to  be  driven  back  or  swallowed 
up  ?  Is  it  the  loss  of  property  with  which  he  is 
visited,  and  which  threatens  to  shake  his  depend- 
ence upon  God  ?  Hope  whispers  that  he  has  in 
heaven  an  enduring  substance,  and  he  takes  joy- 
fully the  spoiling  of  his  goods.  Is  it  the  loss  of 
friends  1  He  sorrows  not  '•  even  as  others  which 
have  no  hope,"  but  is  comforted  by  the  knowledge 
that  "  them  also  which  sleep  in  Jesus  will  God 
bring  with  him."  Is  it  sickness  ?  Is  it  the  treach- 
ery of  friends  "?  Is  it  the  failure  of  cherished  plans, 
which  hangs  the  firmament  with  blackness,  and 
works  the  waters  into  fury  ?  None  of  these  things 
move  him  ;  for  hope  assures  him  that  his  ••  light 
affliction,  which  is  but  for  a  moment,  worketh  for 
him  a  far  more  exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of 
glory."  Is  it  death,  which,  advancing  in  its  awfiil- 
ness,  would  beat  down  his  confidence,  and  snap  his 
cordage  and  send  him  adrift  ?  His  hope  is  a  hope 
full  of  immortality ;  he  knows  "  in  whom  he  hath 
believed,  and  is  persuaded  that  he  is  able  to  keep 
that  which  he  hath  committed  unto  him  against 
that  day."  And  thus,  from  whatever  point  the 
tempest  rages,  there  is  a  power  in  that  hope  which 
God  hath  implanted  of  holding  fast  the  Christian, 
and  preventing  his  casting  away  that  confidence 
which  hath  great  recompense  of  reward.  We  can 
bid  you  look  upon  him  when,  on  every  human 
calculation,  so  fierce  is  the  hurricane,  and  so 
wrought  are  the  waves  into  madness,  there  would 
seem  no  likelihood  of  his  avoiding  making  ship- 
wreck of  his  faith.  And  when  you  find  that,  in 
place  of  being  stranded  or  ingulfed,  he  resists 
the  wild  onset,  and,  if  he  do  not  for  the  moment 
advance,  keeps  the  way  he  has  made,  O,  then  we 
have  an   easy  answer  to  give  to  inquiries  as  to  the 


10  MISCELLANEOUS. 

causes  of  this  unexpected  steadfastness.  We  do 
not  deny  the  strength  of  the  storm  and  the  might 
of  the  waters ;  but  we  tell  you  of  a  hope  which 
grows  stronger  and  stronger  as  tribulation  in- 
creases ;  stronger,  because  sorrow  is  the  known 
discipline  for  the  enjoyment  of  the  object  of  this 
hope ;  stronger,  because  the  proved  worthlessness 
of  what  is  earthly  serves  to  fix  the  affections  more 
firmly  on  what  is  heavenly;  stronger,  inasmuch 
as  there  are  promises  of  God,  which  seem  de- 
signed on  purpose  for  the  season  of  trouble,  and 
which,  Avhen  grasped  by  faith,  throw  new  vigor  into 
hope.  And  certainly,  if  we  may  affirm  all  this  of  the 
hope  of  a  Christian,  there  is  no  room  for  wonder 
that  he  rides  out  the  hurricane ;  for  such  hope  is 
manifestly  an  anchor  of  the  soul,  and  that,  too, 
sure  and  steadfast. 

ASSURANCE. 

WHILST  it  is  the  business  of  a  Christian  minis- 
ter to  guard  you  against  presumption,  and  an 
uncalculating  confidence  that  you  are  safe  for  eter- 
nity, it  is  also  his  duty  to  rouse  you  to  a  sense  of 
your  privileges,  and  to  press  on  you  the  impor- 
tance of  ascertaining  your  title  to  immortality. 
We  think  it  not  necessarily  a  proof  of  Chx-istian 
humility  that  you  should  be  always  in  doubt  of 
your  spiritual  state,  and  so  live  uncertain  whether, 
in  the  event  of  death,  you  would  pass  into  glory. 
We  are  bound  to  declare  that  Scripture  makes  the 
marks  of  true  religion  clear  and  decisive,  and  that, 
if  we  will  but  apply  faithfully  and  fearlessly  the 
several  criteria  furnished  by  its  statements,  it  can- 
not remain  a  problem,  which  the  last  judgment 
only  can  solve,  whether  it  be  the  broad  way  or  the 


MISCELLANEOUS.  11 

narrow  in  which  we  now  walk.  But,  nevertheless, 
the  best  assurance  to  which  a  Christian  can  attain 
must  leave  salvation  a  thing  chiefly  of  hope.  We 
find  it  expressly  declared  by  St.  Paul  to  the 
Romans,  "  we  are  saved  by  hope."  And  they  who 
are  most  persuaded,  and  that,  too,  by  scriptural 
warrant,  that  they  are  in  a  state  of  salvation,  can 
never  declare  themselves,  except  in  the  most  lim- 
ited sense,  in  its  fruition  or  enjoyment,  but  must 
always  live  mainly  upon  hope,  though  with  occa- 
sional foretastes  of  coming  delights.  They  can 
reach  the  conclusion  —  and  a  comforting  and  noble 
conclusion  it  is  —  that  they  are  justified  beings,  as 
having  been  enabled  to  act  in  faith  on  a  Mediator. 
But  whilst  justification  insures  them  salvation,  it 
puts  them  not  into  its  present  possession.  It  is 
thus  again  that  St.  Paul  distinguishes  between 
justification  and  salvation,  saying  of  Christ,  "  Being 
now  justified  by  his  blood,  we  shall  be  saved  from 
wrath  through  him."  So  that  the  knowing  our- 
selves justified  is  the  highest  thing  attainable  on 
earth  ;  salvation  itself,  though  certain  to  be  reached, 
remaining  an  object  for  which  we  must  hope  and 
for  which  we  must  wait. 

ELECTION. 

WHEN  God  decrees  an  end,  he  decrees  also  the 
means.  If,  then,  he  have  elected  me  to  obtain 
salvation  in  the  next  life,  he  has  elected  me  to  the 
practice  of  holiness  in  this  life.  Would  I  ascertain 
my  election  to  the  blessedness  of  eternity  ?  It 
must  be  by  practically  demonstrating  my  election 
to  newness  of  life.  It  is  not  by  the  rapture  of  feel- 
ing, and  by  the  luxuriance  of  thought,  and  by  the 
warmth   of   those   desires   which   descriptions   of 


12  MISCELLANEOUS. 

heaven  may  stir  up  within  mc,  that  I  can  prove 
myself  predestined  to  a  glorious  inheritance.  If  I 
would  find  out  what  is  hidden,  I  must  follow  what 
is  revealed.  The  way  to  heaven  is  disclosed.  Am 
I  walking  in  that  way  ?  It  would  be  poor  proof 
that  I  were  on  my  voyage  to  India,  that,  with 
glowing  eloquence  and  thrilling  poetry,  I  could  dis- 
course on  the  palm  groves  and  the  spicy  isles  of  the 
East.  Am  I  on  the  waters  "?  Is  the  sail  hoisted 
to  the  wind  ?  and  does  the  land  of  my  birth  look 
blue  and  faint  in  the  distance  1  The  doctrine  of 
election  may  have  done  harm  to  many,  but  only 
because  they  have  fancied  themselves  elected  to 
the  end,  and  have  forgotten  that  those  whom 
Scripture  calls  elected  are  also  elected  to  the 
means.  The  Bible  never  speaks  of  men  as  elected 
only  to  be  saved  from  the  shipwreck ;  but  as  elected 
to  tighten  the  ropes,  and  hoist  the  sails,  and  stand 
to  the  rudder.  Let  a  man  search  faithfully;  let 
him  see  that,  when  Scripture  describes.  Christians 
as  elected,  it  is  as  elected  to  faith,  as  elected  to  sanc- 
tiiication,  as  elected  to  obedience  ;  and  the  doctrine 
of  election  will  be  nothing  but  a  stimulus  to  effort. 
It  cannot  act  as  a  soporific.  It  cannot  lull  me  into 
security.  It  cannot  engender  licentiousness.  It 
will  throw  ardor  into  the  spirit,  and  fire  into  the 
eye,  and  vigor  into  the  limb.  I  shall  cut  away  the 
boat,  and  let  drive  all  human  devices,  and  gird 
myself,  amid  the  fierceness  of  the  temjjest,  to  steer 
the  shattered  vessel  into  port. 

WITH  God  there  is  no  freeman  but  his  servant, 
though  in  the  galleys  ;  no  slave  but  the  sin- 
ner, though  in  a  palace ;  none  noble  but  the  vir- 
tuous, if  never  so  basely  descended  ;  none  rich  but 
he  that  possesseth  God,  even  in  rags  ;  none  wise 


MISCELLANEOUS.  13 

but  he  that  is  a  fool  to  himself  and  to  the  world- 
none  happy  but  he  whom  the  world  pities.  Let 
me  be  free,  noble,  rich,  wise,  happy,  to  God  :  I 
care  not  what  I  am  to  the  world. 

"DRAYER  moves  the  hand  that  moves  all  things. 
J-  If  we  have  the  ear  of  God,  we  are  sure  of  the 
hand  of  God.  O,  then,  pray  for  the  Holy  Ghost  — 
the  spirit  of  prayer  !  Without  him  we  are  without 
love  without  humility,  without  fervor,  without  spir- 
ituality. It  IS  when  "we  pray  always  with  all 
prayer  and  supplication  in  the  spirit,"  —  it  is  then 
that  we  pray  heartily  and  effectually.  Then  it  is 
that  the  love  of  God  will  dwell  richly  with  us,  and 
that  we  will  shine  in  all  the  beauties  of  holiness 
reflecting  the  image  of  Him  with  whom  we  are  in 
the  habit  of  constant  intercourse  and  communion 
VVe  will  be  "  holy  in  all  manner  of  conversation  " 
and  "  be  fruitful  in  every  good  word  and  work'" 
living  not  to  ourselves,  but  to  Him  who  died  for  us 
and  rose  again. 

K  S  Christ  is  our  Savior  and  Intercessor,  we  can 
-i^  now  come  with  boldness  to  the  throne  of  o-race 
and  address  God  with  all  the  confidence  of  children! 
1  es.  Christian,  thou  hast  been  redeemed  by  the 
precious  blood  of  Christ,  and  thou  art  now  priv- 
ileged to  approach  God  as  a  reconciled  Father 
and  Friend.  Pray,  then,  in  faith.  Consider  thy 
great  High  Priest.  Think  of  the  virtue  of  his 
blood  and  the  prevalency  of  his  intercession. 
Come  then,  with  holy  confidence.  Never  canst 
tiiou  know  the  inexhaustible  love  of  thy  Savior. 
Ueheve  him,  therefore  ;  confide  in  him  ;  be  a  con- 
stant suppliant  at  his  throne  of  grace.  Cast  all 
thy  burden   upon  him  also,  and  be  at  peace.    For 


14  MISCELLANEOUS. 

thou  art  as  much  the  object  of  his  tender  love  and  care 
as  if  thou  icert  his  lone  child  in  the  ivide  universe  of 
nature.     Wherefore  fear  not,  but  believe. 

fj^HE  Savior  mingles  liis  own  prayers  with  ours. 
-I  He  joins  with  us,  and,  as  it  were,  petitions  that 
our  petitions  be  received.  He  adds  the  virtue  of  his 
merits  to  our  praj'ers  ;  and  this,  as  incense,  sweet- 
ens and  makes  them  acceptable :  and  this  was 
typified  by  the  legal  service.  While  the  people 
under  the  law  were  praying  without,  the  priest 
offered  incense  within  ;  answerable  to  which  Christ 
offers  incense  to  sweeten  our  prayers,  and  to  make 
thcra  ascend  as  a  delightful  odor  before  God. 

WORTH    OF   THE    SOUL. 

IT  will  prove  the  worth  of  the  soul  to  consider 
that  amazing  elevation  of  glory  to  which  it  will  be 
advanced,  or  that  dire  extremity  of  woe  in  which 
it  will  be  plunged,  hereafter.  Soon  as  the  few 
years  allotted  for  its  education  and  trial  here  on 
earth  expire,  if  grace  and  the  offers  of  salvation 
have  been  duly  accepted  and  improved,  it  Avill  gain 
admission  into  the  city  of  the  living  God,  where 
shines  an  evei'lasting  day;  where  every  thing  is 
removed  forever  that  might  tend  to  excite  fear,  or 
for  a  moment  to  impair  the  completeness  of  felicity. 
And  whilst  the  soul  possesses  a  magnificent  hab- 
itation, eternal  in  the  heavens,  the  company  with 
which  it  will  be  associated  in  excellency  far  sur- 
pass all  the  glories  of  its  place  of  abode.  Man, 
by  revolting  from  God,  was  banished  from  any 
commerce  with  the  glorious  spirits  that  people  the 
invisible  world.  But  when  the  designs  of  grace 
are  accomplished  in  the  soul,  it  becomes  a  partaker 


MISCELLANEOUS. 


15 


of  all  the  invaluable  privileges  and  dignities  of  the 
angels.  It  is  clothed  with  a  brightness  of  glory 
refulgent  as  the  sun  ;  it  is  raised  to  such  degrees 
of  excellency  as  exceed  our  highest  reach  of 
thought :  every  defect  and  blemish  inherent  in  its 
present  condition  is  done  away,  and  its  moral  per- 
fections surpass  in  splendor  the  outward  beauty 
with  wbich  it  is  arrayed.  Now,  if  we  estimate  the 
grandeur  of  a  person  from  the  exalted  station  he 
is  born  to  bear,  and  the  possessions  he  shall  one 
day  call  his  own,  how  great  must  the  worth  of 
the  soul  be  judged,  which,  unless  ruined  by  its  own 
incorrigible  sinfulness,  is  to  inherit  the  riches  of 
eternity  ;  to  stand  before  the  throne  of  Jehovah, 
on  a  rank  with  angels  :  to  drink  of  rivers  of  pleas- 
ure which  are  at  his  right  hand  forcvermore  ! 

It  is,  on  the  other  hand,  evidence  equally  strong 
of  the  value  of  the  soul,  though,  alas  !  of  a  very 
melancholy  and  distressing  kind,  with  which  the 
Scripture  account  of  the  extreme  misery  it  must  suf- 
fer, if  it  perish,  furnishes  us.  If  it  is  not  counted 
worthy  to  be  admitted,  through  the  Savior's  media- 
tion, into  glory,  sad,  sad  alternative  !  Its  doom, 
like  the  sentence  pronounced  on  some  olfeiider 
of  great  dignity,  Avhose  distinction  serves  only  to 
inflame  his  guilt,  is  full  of  horror.  It  is  cut' off 
from  all  communion  with  God,  removed  to  an 
inconceivable  distance,  separated  by  an  impassable 
gulf  It  must  have  him  for  the  avenger  of  its 
crimes,  in  comparison  with  whose  strength  all 
created  might  is  weaker  than  a  new-born  babe. 
That  arm  is  to  be  stretched  forth  against  it  which 
shoots  the  planets  in  their  rounds,  and  taketh  up 
the  isles  as  a  very  little  thing.  The  soul  that  per- 
ishes is  to  suffer  the  punishment  prejjared  for  the 
devil  and  his  angels;    to  suffer  punishment,  the 


16 


MISCELLANEOUS. 


very  same  in  kind  with  that  of  Satan,  whose  busi- 
ness, whose  only  joy,  ever  since  his  fall  from 
heaven,  has  been  to  defeat,  if  it  were  possible,  all 
God's  designs  of  grace  ;  to  undermine  his  kingdom, 
and  tread  his  honor  in  the  dust ;  who  has  already 
seduced  souls  without  number,  and  who  will  go  on 
in  his  course  of  treason  and  enmity  against  God 
till  the  day  of  executing  full  vengeance  on  him  is 
come.  Though  not  in  equal  torment,  yet  in  the 
same  hell  with  this  execrable  being,  is  the  soul 
that  perishes  to  enclure  the  wrath  of  God. 

Whether  we  regard,  therefore,  the  felicity  or  the 
ruin  which  the  soul  of  man  in  a  few  fleeting  5'ear3 
must  experience,  we  will  find  it  hard  to  deter- 
mine which  of  the  two  most  forcibly  bespeaks  its 
grandeur. 

These  evidences,  obvious  to  every  eye  which 
reads  the  Bible,  prove,  in  a  manner  not  to  be  c{ues- 
tioned,  that  the  poorest  beggar  carries  greater  loealth 
in  his  own  bosom,  and  possesses  a  higher  dignity  in 
his  own  person,  than  all  the  icorld  can  give  him.  The 
SOUL,  that  enables  him  to  think  and  choose,  sur- 
passes in  worth  all  that  the  eye  ever  saw  or  the 
fancy  ever  imagined.  Before  one  such  immortal 
being  all  the  magnificence  of  the  natural  world 
appears  diminutive,  because  transitory.  All  these 
things  wax  old  as  doth  a  garment,  and  all  the 
works  of  nature  shall  be  burned  up  ;  but  the  years 
of  the  s(Mil,  its  happiness  or  its  Avoe,  like  the  un- 
changeable God,  its  Creator,  endure  forever. 

From  these  evidences  it  will  be  perceived  that 
the  schemes  which  engage  the  attention  of  states- 
men and  mighty  kings,  nay,  even  the  delivery  of  a 
nation  from  ruin  or  slavery,  are  trifles  ivhen  set  in 
competition  icith  the  salvation  of  a  single  soul.  Evi- 
dent also  will  be  the  propriety  of  that  astonishing 


MISCELLANEOUS.  17 

assertion,  that  in  heaven,  the  seat  of  glory,  and 
among  angels,  whose  thoughts  can  never  stoop  to 
any  thing  little,  "  there  is  joy  over  one  sinner  that 
repenteth."  And  it  will  be  seen,  too,  why  our  mer- 
ciful Father  is  at  so  much  pains  (if  the  expression 
may  be  used)  to  awaken  the  children  of  men  into 
a  just  concern  for  the  salvation  of  their  souls  ;  why 
the  warnings  he  gives  them  are  so  solemn,  his 
calls  so  repeated  and  pressing,  and  his  entreaties 
so  affectionate.  All  these  things  follow  as  the  just 
and  natural  conclusions  from  the  matchless  excel- 
lency of  the  soul. 

THE  examples  of  a  mature  virtue  are  very  few ; 
and  the  love  of  God  and  of  goodness  in  the 
bosoms  of  most  Christians  sutlers  such  an  alloy 
and  mixture,  that  it  is  no  wonder  at  all  if  so  im- 
perfect a  state  breed  but  very  weak  and  imperfect 
hopes,  very  faint  and  doubtful  joys. 

WE  may  as  well  hope  to  support  and  increase 
the  health  and  strength  of  the  body  without 
food  or  exercise,  as  that  of  the  soul  without  medi- 
tation and  prayer.  We  may  as  soon  conquer  our 
enemies  without  discipline,  hardship,  and  exertion, 
as  master  our  corruptions  and  become  virtuous 
without  spiritual  watchfulness  and  contention. 
There  is,  indeed,  force  and  efficacy  enough  in  the 
word  of  God  to  enlighten  the  mind  and  purify 
the  heart,  if  we  would  but  frequently  and  seriously 
read  and  meditate  it.  The  grace  of  the  Spirit  is 
sufficient  to  conquer  our  corruptions,  and  strength- 
en and  establish  us  in  faith  and  obedience,  if  we 
would  but  earnestly  and  frequently  pray  for  it,  and 
cherish  and  improve  it  when  obtained. 

But  if  we  do  not  watch,  if  we  do  not  meditate, 
2 


18  MISCELLANEOUS. 

if  we  do  not  pray ;  if  we  expose  ourselves  to  a  vain 
and  trifling  conversation ;  if  we  indulge  the  body 
all  the  ease  it  is  inclined  to,  and  put  ourselves 
upon  no  duties,  practise  no  discipline  that  we  have 
reluctance  to,  —  it  is  not  to  be  wondered  at  if  our 
virtue  be  weak  and  sickly,  if  our  performances 
be  cold  and  unedifying,  our  fiiith  weak,  our  aifec- 
tions  low  and  grovelling,  our  faith  unsteady  and 
unprofitable,  our  religion  destitute  of  true  pleasure, 
and  our  latter  end  of  any  rational  comfort  or  well- 
grounded  confidence. 

THE  Lord  feasts  the  saints — feasts  them  with 
manna  from  heaven  —  with  angels' food.  His 
divine  truths  are  delicacies,  swee-ter  than  honey  or 
the  honeycomb  to  the  renewed  soul.  He  gives 
his  children  sweet  intimations  of  his  love  ;  peace 
that  passes  all  understanding ;  joy  unspeakable 
and  full  of  glory.  The  full  fruition  of  these  joys 
are  reserved  for  heaven  ;  yet  some  drops  fall  from 
those  rivers  of  pleasure  that  arc  at  his  right  hand 
to  refresh  us  in  our  pilgrimage.  He  conveys  to 
us  in  this  wilderness  some  clusters  of  grapes  and 
figs;  though  we  must  stay  for  a  full  vintage  till  we 
come  to  Canaan.  Some  of  our  Master's  joy  enters 
us  here ;  but  there  we  shall  bathe  ourselves  in  an 
immense  ocean  of  pleasure  and  sweetness  to  all 
eternity. 

THUS  solid  indeed  is  the  happiness  of  the  saints, 
that  in  the  lowest  condition  it  remains  the 
same.  In  disgraces,  in  caves,  in  prisons,  and  chains, 
—  cast  them  where  you  will.  —  still  they  are  hap- 
py. A  diamond  in  the  mire,  sullied  and  trajapled 
on,  yet  still  retains  its  own  worth. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  19 

PLEASURES    OF   RELIGION. 

THE  pleasure  of  the  religious  man  is  an  easy  and 
l^ortable  pleasure,  such  a  one  as  he  carries 
about  in  his  bosom,  without  alarming  either  the 
eye  or  the  envy  of  the  world.  A  man  putting  all 
his  pleasures  into  this  one  is  like  a  traveller's  put- 
ting all  his  goods  into  one  jewel ;  the  value  is  the 
same,  and  the  convenience  greater.  —  South. 

RECOLLECTION    IN   RELIGION. 

RECOLLECTION  is  the  life  of  religion.  The 
Christian  wants  to  know  no  new  thing,  but  to 
have  his  heart  elevated  more  above  the  world,  by 
secluding  himself  from  it  as  much  as  his  duties 
will  allow,  that  religion  may  effect  its  great  end, 
by  bringing  its  sublime  hopes  and  prospects  into 
more  steady  action  on  the  mind.  —  Cecil. 

RELIGION. 

TAKE  away  God  and  religion,  and  men  live 
to  no  purpose,  without  proposing  any  worthy 
and  considerable  end  of  life  to  themselves.  —  Til- 
lotson. 

T  IFE,  like  every  other  blessing, 

■^  Derives  its  value  from  its  use  alone : 

Not  for  itself,  but  for  a  nobler  end. 

The  Eternal  gave  it;  and  that  end  is  virtue. 


20  MISCELLANEOUS. 


ELIZA    M- 


THE  young  lady  whose  death  is  here  narrated 
was  jihaced  in  that  rank  of  life  in  which  an  op- 
portunity is  possessed  for  following  the  gayeties  of 
the  world. 

"  Before  it  pleased  God  to  engage  her  attention 
to  the  great  concerns  of  a  future  state,  she  was  in 
some  danger  of  being  too  much  captivated  with  the 
fascinating  splendor  of  gay  and  polite  life.  The 
death  of  a  relation  was  the  means,  in  the  hands 
of  God,  of  leading  her  to  see,  in  a  just  light,  the 
vanity  of  the  world.  This  event  produced  such 
sensations  and  reflections  in  her  mind  as  had  the 
most  salutary  tendency.  She  began  to  be  appre- 
hensive, from  the  precarious  state  of  her  health, 
that  she  had  no  reason  to  expect  a  long  continu- 
ance here.  Death,  at  that  time,  appeared  to  her 
with  a  most  dreadful  aspect,  because  she  knew  her- 
self to  be  a  sinner,  and  not  in  a  state  of  reconcilia- 
tion with  God. 

"  The  pardon  of  sin,  the  sanctification  of  her 
nature,  and  a  disposition  suited  to  the  heavenly 
world,  she  was  fully  convinced  were  necessary  to 
future  happiness.  For  many  youthful  follies  she 
stood  self-condemned ;  and  though  she  did  not 
make  known  her  inward  disquietudes  to  any  one, 
she  had  for  some  time  sore  conflicts  in  her  own 
breast.  She  sought  relief  from  God  only,  pouring 
out  her  requests  before  his  throne  for  that  mercy 
which  is  never  denied  to  those  who  sincerely  ask 
it  in  the  name  of  Jesus.  He  who  hath  said,  '  I  love 
them  that  love  me,  and  those  that  seek  me  early 
shall  hnd  me,'  was  pleased  to  manifest  himself  to 
her  in  so  gracious  a  manner  as  at  once  to  remove 
her  disquieting  fears,  and  establish  her  mind  in 


MISCELLANEOUS.  21 

hope  and  tranquillity.  She  was  enabled  to  say, 
with  humble  confidence,  '  I  am  weak  indeed,  but 
Christ  is  strong  ;  I  am  poor,  but  he  is  rich  ;  I  am 
sick,  but  he  is  the  Physician  ;  I  am  a  sinner,  but 
he  is  the  Savior  of  sinners.  I  find  in  him  every 
thing  answerable  to  my  need.'  His  atoning  sacri- 
fice gave  relief  to  her  wounded  conscience,  and  joy 
to  her  desponding  heart.  Renouncing  all  confi- 
dence in  the  flesh,  she,  from  this  period,  looked  for 
all  her  salvation  from  the  Redeemer's  cross. 

"  When  the  disorder  of  which  she  died  began  to 
prevail,  she  earnestly  requested  a  neighl)oring  min- 
ister to  visit  her  as  often  as  his  other  concerns 
would  permit.  He  soon  found  her  intelligent  and 
conversable  upon  divine  subjects  far  beyond  what 
he  expected.  Her  conceptions  of  the  way  of  salva- 
tion were  clear,  her  faith  in  the  Redeemer  steady, 
and  her  hope  lively.  Flattering  expectations  were 
sometimes  raised  respecting  her  recovery.  The 
ablest  physicians  attended  her,  and  every  method 
was  adopted  in  order  to  restore  her  debilitated 
frame  ;  but  though  she  was  often  relieved,  and  the 
threatening  symptoms  were  checked  for  a  season, 
yet.  to  the  great  distress  of  her  affectionate  parents, 
she  visibly  declined  in  sti'ength,  and  wasted  away 
by  slow  degrees. 

"  When  a  minister  is  called  to  visit  the  afflicted, 
he  often  finds  himself  under  great  embarrassment. 
To  discourse  with  them  concerning  death,  and  tlie 
necessity  of  being  prepared  for  that  awful  event,  is 
thought  harsh  and  severe.  He  that  would  deal 
faithfully  with  them,  and  admonish  them  of  their 
danger,  need  not  expect  to  be  often  invited.  But 
this  was  far,  very  far,  from  being  the  case  with  our 
young  friend.  She  knew  herself  to  be  in  dying 
circumstances,  and   had  no  wish  to  be  told  that 


22  MISCELLANEOUS. 

there  was  hope  of  recovery.  Though  her  expecta- 
tions of  a  temporal  kind  Avere  considerable,  she 
freely  relinquisiied  them  all,  and  became  not  only 
indilf'erent  to  all  earthly  things,  but  actually  dead 
to  them.     She  might  well  say, — 

"Tis  HnishVl  now,  the  gi'eat  deciding  part ; 

The  world's  subdued,  and  heaven  has  all  my  heart.' 

'•  When  she  saw  her  affectionate  mother  weeping 
by  her,  she  always  endeavored  to  comfort  her  by 
such  words  as  these :  '  Mamma,  do  not  Aveep  for 
me ;  I  am  quite  happy.  I  have  no  wish  to  live  ;  if 
I  might  have  life  by  wishing  for  it,  I  should  rather 
choose  to  die  and  go  to  my  lledeemer.'  Such  entire 
victory  over  the  world  in  one  of  her  years,  and  cir- 
cumstanced as  she  was,  is  very  uncommon,  and  can 
only  be  the  effect  of  that  faith  which  overcometh 
the  world,  as  it  'is  the  substance  of  things  hoped 
for,  the  evidence  of  things  not  seen.' 

"  When  select  portions  of  the  divine  word  were 
read  to  her,  she  listened  with  the  most  ardent  atten- 
tion, and  often  signified  how  comforting  and  sup- 
porting it  was  to  her  mind.  Though  her  weakness 
and  pain  increased  from  week  to  week,  she  never 
seemed  to  be  weary  of  religious  exercises.  Her  re- 
quest, when  Mr.  F.,  the  clergyman,  left  her,  generally 
was,  '  Come  again  soon  ; '  or, '  When  will  you  favor 
me  with  another  visit? '  When  prevented  by  other 
engagements  from  attending  her  at  the  time  she 
expected  him,  he  sometimes  transmitted  to  her  a 
few  hasty  lines  which  he  kne\V  to  be  expressive  of 
the  sentiment  of  her  mind.  These  she  presently 
committed  to  memory,  and  adopted  as  her  own. 

"  Though  she  was  much  endeared  to  her  friends, 
yet  they  could  not  but  desire  to  see  the  time  of  her 
release.     Her  sufferings  were  great,  and  long  con- 


MISCELLANEOUS.  23 

tinned ;  but  she  was  a  pattern  of  sweet  resignation, 
of  dignified  patience,  of  noble  fortitude,  and  of 
entire  deadness  to  every  thing  below.  Her  heart 
and  her  hopes  were  above.  Death  was  not  to  her 
the  object  of  dread,  but  of  desire.  She  settled  every 
little  circumstance  of  a  temporal  nature,  in  the 
prospect  of  her  end,  with  the  utmost  composure, 
and  talked  of  dying  as  of  going  some  pleasant 
journey.  '  What !  my  dear  miss,'  said  one  of  her 
attendants,  '  are  you  not  afraid  of  the  pains  of 
death  1 '  She  assured  her  that  she  felt  no  terror  in 
that  respect,  for  her  merciful  Savior  was  able  to 
support  her.  She  often  said,  under  her  sharpest 
pains,  '  I  am  very  happy ;  I  would  not  change 
situations  with  any  one  living.'  The  little  stock 
of  money  she  had  in  her  possession  she  divided 
into  small  sums,  and  sent  them  to  the  most  needy 
and  deserving  objects  she  could  remember." 

The  following  is  Mr.  F.'s  account  of  his  last  visit 
to  her :  "  My  last  visit  to  her  was  on  Sunday 
evening,  September  22.  I  found  her  extremely 
ill,  but  supported  amidst  her  agonies  by  a  lively 
hope  of  heavenly  felicity,  and  full  of  comfort.  A 
deadly  coldness  had  already  begun  to  seize  her 
emaciated  hand.  I  told  her  her  warfare  was  near- 
ly accomplished.  She  replied,  with  the  sweetest 
composure,  'I  hope  it  is.'  She  wished  me  once 
more  to  assist  her  devotions,  and  particularly  to 
pray  for  her  release.  I  endeavored  to  do  so  in  a 
few  short  petitions,  commending  her  soul  into  the 
hands  of  her  Redeemer,  whom,  not  having  seen, 
she  loved,  in  which  she  appeared  to  join  in  the  most 
fervent  manner.  After  having  suggested  a  few 
consolatory  hints,  with  a  view  to  confirm  her  faith 
in  the  last  conflict,  I  took  my  leave,  not  expecting 
to  see  her  again  till  we  should  meet  in  the  world 


24 


MISCELLANEOUS. 


of  spirits.  Her  cough  was  incessantly  troublesome, 
her  ))uin  in  every  part  very  great,  and  her  weakness 
not  to  be  described. 

"  Soon  after  I  left  her,  she  desired  to  be  moved, 
and,  feeling  the  springs  of  life  begin  to  fail,  she  said 
to  ber  attendants,  '  It  is  now  over,'  or  words  to 
tbat  purpose.  She  appeared  to  be  perfectly  sensi- 
ble, calm,  and  composed  to  the  last,  often  saying, 
'Come,  Lord  Jesus!'  At  half  past  nine  she 
breathed  her  last. 

'  She  in  a  sacred  calm  resigned  her  breath  ; 
And  as  her  eyelids  closed,  she  smiled  in  death,' 

and  entered  'that  rest  which  remaineth  for  the 
children  of  God.' " 


THE   BELIEVER   ASSURED    OF   HIS    RESUR- 
RECTION. 

fllHE  believer  knows  that  there  is  a  distinct  and 
■i-  solemn  promise  of  Christ  which  has  respect  to 
the  bodies  of  his  people.  /  will  raise  him  up  at  the 
last  day  is  the  repeated  assurance  in  regard  to  the 
man  who  believes  upon  his  name ;  so  that  the 
Redeemer  is  as  deeply  pledged  to  be  the  guardian 
of  a  believer's  dust  as  of  a  believer's  soul.  He 
ransomed  matter  as  well  as  spirit,  and,  descending 
himself  into  the  sepulchre,  scattered  the  seeds  of  a 
new  subsistence,  which,  germinating  on  the  morn- 
ing of  tlie  judgment,  shall  cover  the  globe  with  the 
vast  harvest  of  its  buried  po])ulation.  And  there- 
fore the  believer  can  be  contident.  Overwhelming 
in  its  greatness  as  the  achievement  is.  it  surpasses  not 
the  energies  of  the  Agent  unto  whom  it  is  ascribed. 
Christ  raised  himself,  an  unspeakably  mightier  ex- 
ploit than  the  raising  of  me  ;  can  1  not,  then,  take 


i 


MISCELLANEOUS.  25 

share  in  the  persuasion  of  St.  Paul  1  Let  darkness 
be  woven  for  my  shroud,  and  the  grave  be  hol- 
lowed for  my  bed.  and  the  worm  be  given  for  my 
companion ;  with  thee,  O  Christ,  I  intrust  this 
body.  1  know  in  ichom  I  have  believed.  The  winda 
may  disperse,  the  waters  may  ingulf,  and  the  fires 
may  rarefy  the  atoms  which  made  up  this  frame ; 
hut  I  know  that  vuj  Redeemer  liveth;  and  though  after 
viij  skin  ivorms  destroy  this  bod//,  yet  in  my  flesh  shall 
I  see  God.  Thus,  body  as  well  as  soul,  the  believer 
commits  himself  wholly  to  Christ;  and  experience 
witnessing  to  Christ's  power  and  Christ's  faithful- 
ness, he  can  exclaim  with  the  apostle,  /  am  per- 
suaded that  he  is  able  to  keep  that  ivhich  I  have  com- 
mitted unto  him  against  that  day.  That  day  —  we 
need  not  tell  the  believer  what  day !  His  thoughts 
and  his  hopes  are  on  the  second  advent  of  his 
Lord ;  and  though  no  day  has  been  specified,  yet 
speak  of  that  day,  and  the  allusion  is  distinctly 
understood  ;  the  mind  springs  forward  to  meet  the 
descending  pomp  of  the  Judge;  and  that  august 
period  is  anticipated  when,  vindicating  before  the 
universe  the  fidelity  of  his  guardianship,  Christ 
shall  consign  his  followers  to  glory  and  blessed- 
ness, and,  apportioning  noble  allotments  to  both 
body  and  soul,  prove  that  nothing  has  been  lost 
of  that  unmeasured  deposit  which,  from  Adam 
downwards  to  the  last  elect,  has  accumulated  in  his 
keeping. 

IT  is  a  comfortable  consideration,  says  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Ne^^'ton,  that  He  with  whom  we  have  to  do, 
oiu-  great  High  Priest,  who  once  put  away  our  sins 
by  the  sacrifice  of  himself,  and  now  forever  appears 
in  the  presence  of  God  for  us,  is  not  only  possessed 
of  sovereign  authority  and  infinite  power,  but  wears 


26 


MISCELLANEOUS. 


our  very  nature,  and  feels  and  exercises  in  the 
highest  degree  those  tendernesses  and  commiser- 
ations which  I  conceive  are  essential  to  humanity 
in  its  perfect  state.  Tlie  whole  history  of  his  won- 
derful life  is  full  of  inimitable  instances  of  this  kind. 
His  bowels  were  moved  before  his  arm  was  exert- 
ed ;  he  condescended  to  mingle  tears  with  mourn- 
ers, and  wept  over  distresses  which  he  intended  to 
relieve.  He  is  still  the  same  in  his  exalted  state ; 
compassions  dwell  within  his  heart.  In  a  way 
inconceivable  to  us,  but  consistent  with  his  supreme 
dignity  and  perfection  of  happiness  and  glory,  he 
still  feels  for  his  people. 

When  Saul  persecuted  the  members  upon  earth, 
the  Head  complained  from  heaven ;  and  sooner 
shall  the  most  tender  mother  sit  insensible  and  inatten- 
tive to  the  cries  and  wants  of  her  infant  than  the  Lord 
Jesus  he  an  unconcerned  spectator  of  his  suffering  chil- 
dren. No  ;  with  the  eye,  and  the  ear,  and  the  heart 
of  a  friend  he  attends  to  their  sorrows  ;  he  counts 
their  sighs  ;  puts  their  tears  in  his  bottle ;  and  when 
our  spirits  are  overwhelmed  within  us,  he  knows 
our  path,  and  adjusts  the  time,  the  measure,  of  our 
trials,  and  every  thing  that  is  necessary  for  our 
present  support  and  seasonable  deliverance,  with 
the  same  unerring  wisdom  and  accuracy  as  he 
weighed  the  mountains  in  scales,  and  the  hills  in 
a  balance,  and  meted  out  the  heavens  with  a  span. 
Still  more;  besides  his  benevolent,  he  has  an  ex- 
perimental  sympathy.  He  knows  our  sorrows,  not 
merely  as  he  knows  all  things,  but  as  one  who  has 
been  in  our  situation,  and  who,  though  without  sin 
himself,  endured,  when  upon  earth,  inexpressibly 
more  for  us  than  he  will  ever  lay  upon  us.  He  has 
sanctified  poverty,  pain,  disgrace,  temptation,  and 
death,  by  passing  through  these  states ;  and  in  what- 


MISCELLANEOUS.  27 

ever  condition  his  people  are.  tliey  may  by  faith  have 
fellowship  with  him  in  their  sufFering-s,  and  he  will, 
by  sympathy  and  love,  have  fellowship  and  interest 
with  them  in  theirs.  What,  then,  shall  we  fear,  or 
of  what  shall  we  complain,  when  all  our  concerns 
are  written  on  his  heart,  and  their  management,  to 
the  very  hairs  of  our  head,  are  under  his  care  and 
providence ;  when  he  pities  us  more  than  we  can 
do  ourselves,  and  has  engaged  his  almighty  power 
to  sustain  and  relieve  us  1  However,  as  he  is  tender, 
he  is  icise  also  ;  he  loves  us,  but  especially  with 
regard  to  our  best  interests.  If  there  were  not  some- 
thing in  our  hearts  and  our  situation  that  required 
discipline  and  medicine,  he  so  delights  in  our  pros- 
perity that  we  should  never  be  in  heaviness.  The 
innumerable  comforts  and  mercies  with  which  he 
enriches  even  those  we  call  our  darker  days  are 
sufficient  proofs  that  he  does  not  willingly  "grieve 
us  ;  but  when  he  sees  a  need  be  for  our  chastise- 
ment, he  will  not  withhold  it  because  he  loves  us; 
on  the  contrarrj,  that  is  the  very  reason  ichy  he  qffiicts. 
He  will  put  his  silver  into  the  fire  to  purif}^  it ;  but 
he  sits  by  the  furnace  as  a  refiner,  to  direct  the 
process  and  to  secure  the  end  he  has  in  view,  that 
we  may  not  suffer  too  much,  nor  suff"er  in  vain. 

WARNING   NEGLECTED. 

TJEAVEN  gives  the  needful  but  neglected  call. 
What  day,  what  hour,  but  knocks  at  human 
hearts. 
To  wake  the  soul  to  sense  of  future  scenes  ? 
Deaths  stand,  like  Mercuries,  in  every  way, 
And  kindly  point  us  to  our  journey's  end. 


28  MISCELLANEOUS. 

SOLID  virtue  can  be  grafted  on  no  stock  but 
that  of  religion  ;  universal  righteousness  can  be 
raised  on  none  but  gospel  principles.  "  Who  is 
he  tliat  overcometh  the  world,  but  he  that  believeth 
that  Jesus  is  the  Christ  ?  •' 

UNEASINESS  and  disappointment  are  insep- 
arable, in  some  degree,  from  every  state  on 
earth.  No  man  is  pleased  in  being  precisely  what 
he  is.  He  who  is  engaged  in  business  pines  for 
leisure.  He  who  enjoys  leisure  languishes  for 
M^ant  of  employment.  In  a  single  life,  we  envy  the 
comforts  of  a  family.  In  conjugal  life,  we  are 
chagrined  with  domestic  cares.  It  is  the  doom  of 
man  that  his  sky  should  never  be  fi'ee  from  clouds. 
The  objects  which  surround  him  are  beneath  his 
native  dignity.  God  has  tinged  them  all  with 
vanity,  on  purpose  to  make  him  feel  that  this  is  not 
his  rest ;  that  he  is  not  in  his  proper  place,  nor 
arrived  at  his  true  home. 


"D  AUTH'S  highest  station  ends  in  "  Here  he  lies; " 
And  "  Dust  to  dust "  concludes  her  noblest  son":- 


PRIVATE  devotion  prepares  the  heart  for  the 
public  duties  of  religion.  He  who  willingly 
neglects  the  one  has  seldom  much  enjoyment  in  the 
other.  It  is  the  want  of  private  prayer  that  causes 
many  to  be  so  dull  and  formal,  so  lifeless  and  un- 
fruitful, under  the  public  means  of  grace. 

GOD  regards  the  state  of  the  heart  in  prayer,  and, 
however  eloquent   the  tongue,  will  ♦  accept  no 
more  than  what  the  heart  utters  in  sincerity. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  29 

AFFLICTION  is  a  school  of  virtue  ;  it  corrects 
levity,  and   interrupts  the  confidence  of  sin- 
ning. 

FAILINGS    OF   THE    GOOD. 

GUCH  is  the  force  of  envy  and  ill  nature,  that  the 
^  failings  of  good  men  are  more  published  to  the 
world  than  their  good  deeds,  and  that  one  fault  of 
a  deserving  man  shall  meet  with  more  reproaches 
than  all  his  virtues  will  with  praise.  —  Jeremy  Taylor, 


FRIENDSHIP. 


A 


FAITHFUL  and  true  friend  is  a  living* treas 
ure,  inestimable  in  possession,  and  deeply  to  be 
lamented  when  gone.  Nothing  is  more  common 
than  to  talk  of  a  friend,  nothing  more  difficult  than 
to  find  one,  nothing  more  rare  than  to  improve 
by  one  as  we  ought. 


LIFE. 


THOUGH  we  seem  grieved  at  the  shortness  of 
life  in  general,  we  are  wishing  every  period  of 
it  at  an  end.  The  minor  longs  to  be  of  age,  then 
to  be  a  man  of  business,  then  to  make  up  an  estate, 
then  to  arrive  at  honors,  then  to  retire.  —  Addison. 


ON   FAITH    IN    CHRIST. 


mo  believe  in  Christ  is,  under  the  heartfelt  con- 
-I-  viction  of  guilt  and  in  abhorrence  of  it,  to  de- 
pend on  his  blood  as  the  propitiation  wliich  God 
himself  hath  set  forth  for  our  sin.  It  is  to  make 
use  of  this  plea  alone,  that  the  band  of  provoked 
justice  may  not  seize,  nor  the  arm  of  omnipotence 


30  MISCELT.ANEOUS. 

destroy,  our  soul,  "Jesus  was  Avounded  for  those 
very  transo-ressions  whereof  my  conscience  is  afraid, 
and  bruised  for  those  very  inicjuities  I  am  now  be- 
wailinn;  with  a  ^odly  sorrow  "  In  despair  of  ever 
rcceivinji;  pardon  through  the  merit  of  any  thing  we 
can  do  to  help  ourselves,  or  through  the  uncov- 
eiuinted  mercy  of  God,  it  is  to  place  our  whole 
confidence  hi  Jesus,  "  as  made  a  sin  offering  for  us, 
though  he  knew  no  sin,  that  we  might  be  made  the 
righteousness  of  God  in  him."  It  is  under  a  con- 
sciousness of  daily  sin,  and  of  the  infinite  holiness 
of  God,  tc  esteem  Christ  as  our  passover;  to  be 
persuaded  that  the  merit  and  virtue  of  his  blood  is 
our  whole  safeguard  from  deserved  wrath,  just  as 
the  Israelites  of  old  looked  on  the  blood  sprinkled 
on  their  doors  a^s  the  whole  safeguard  from  the 
destroying  angel. 

Christ  presents  our  persons  unto  God  —  presents 
us  acquitted  from  guilt,  adorned  with  his  righteous- 
ness, and  united  to  himself  in  such  near  relations, 
as,  if  we  be  rejected,  he  must  be  rejected.  Nothing 
in  our  persons  so  presented  can  prejudice  our  peti- 
tions. This  was  typified  by  the  high  priest  carry- 
ing the  names  of  all  the  tribes  on  his  breast  into 
the  holy  of  holies.  He  presents  us  as  those  who 
are  dear  to  him  ;  does,  as  it  were,  take  us  by  the 
hand,  and  lead  us  to  his  Father  and  our  Father.  He 
presents  us  as  those  that  are  as  near  to  him  as  his 
own  members;  and  in  reference  to  that  intimate 
union,  wc  are  said  "  to  sit  with  him  in  heavenly 
places." 

He  also  offers  our  prayers.  This  was  the  high 
priest's  office;  and  he  was  a  type  of  Christ  herein. 
The  Lord  receives  our  petitions  from  his  hand. 
He,  as  it  were,  takes  us  in  one  hand,  and  our  peti- 
tions in  the  other,  and  in  this  engaging   posture 


MISCELLANEOUS.  31 

delivers  tbem.  Can  any  fear  that  the  Lord  will 
reject  a  petition  delivered  by  the  hand  of  Christ? 

TjIVINE  grace,  even  in  the  heart  of  weak  and 
y  sinful  man,  is  an  invincible  thing.  Drown  it 
in  the  waters  of  adversity,  it  rises  more  beautiful, 
as  not  being  drowned  indeed,  but  only  washed! 
Throw  it  into  the  furnace  of  fiery  trials,  it  comes 
out  purer,  and  loses  nothing  but  the  dross  which 
our  corrupt  nature  mixes  with  it. 

T  IFE  does  not  consist  in  the  abundance  of  things 
^  a  man  possesses ;  but  in  obedience  to  the  will 
of  God,  and   in  the   enjoyment  of  his  presence. 
And  he  has  the  true  enjoyment  of  it  who  considers 
It  in  this  light,  and  uses  it  for  the  purpose  of  pre- 
paring himself  for  the  eternal  world,  and  in  pro- 
motmg  the  spiritual  and  eternal  interests  of  his 
fellow-creatures.     To  live  is,  in  the  estimation  of 
the  Christian,  to  discharge  conscientiously  the  duties 
of  his  station,  to  watch  diligently  over  the  state 
of  his  mind,  to  mortify  and  subdue  every  evil  tem- 
per and  corrupt  passion;  to  emplov  hi's  time,  his 
talents,  and  his  influence,  in  promoting  the  glorv 
of  God  and  the  good  of  his  fellow-creatures';  to 
maintain    communion    with   him    in    his    soul,   to 
advance  daily  in  the  knowledge  of  the  truth,  and 
to  be  in  some  measure   prepared  to  participate  in 
thejjmployments  of  the  blessed  spirits  above. 
_  He  who  considers  life  in  the  view  above   men- 
tioned, and  employs  it  thus,  will  enjov  a  true  peace 
of  soul,  because  his  existence  will  be  emploved  to 
the  noblest  purposes,  the  most  usefullv  to  others, 
and  the  most  advantageously  to  himself;  because 
he  will  live  in  the  way  which  the  Lord  of  life  has 
prescribed  to  his  creatures. 


32  MISCELLANEOUS. 

Smitten  friends 

Are  angels  sent  on  errands  full  of  love; 
For  us  they  languish  and  for  us  they  die  ; 
And  shall  they  languish,  shall  they  die,  in  vain  ? 

LOOK  upon  doing  good  as  truly  your  business 
as  prayer,  or  hearing  the  word,  or  meditation. 
And,  therefore,  never  think  your  time  misspent 
which  is  laid  out  in  visiting  the  imprisoned  or  sick, 
relieving  the  necessitous,  comforting  the  afflicted, 
and  encouraging  those  that  err  into  the  paths  of 
sobriety  and  truth. 

THE  mercy  seat  of  old  was  the  place  of  meeting 
which  God  appointed  for  Moses  and  for  the 
high  priests.  But  now  it  is  not  the  special  priv- 
ilege of  some  particulai*  persons  only  to  come  to 
the  mercy  seat,  but  all  Christians  may  have  access 
to  the  throne  of  grace.  There  may  we  meet  with 
God  ;  there  he  is  willing  to  commune  with  us  ; 
there  he  is  ready  to  reveal  himself  to  us,  to  cause 
his  glory  to  pass  before  us;  there  our  fellowship 
may  be  with  the  Father  and  the  Son.  And  offer- 
ing himself  to  us  on  a  throne  of  grace,  he  offers 
to  us  the  greatest  happiness  :  for  communion  with 
himself  is  the  greatest  happiness  on  earth  or  in 
heaven.  And  he  would  have  those  who  draw  near 
to  him  to  expect  what  is  answerable  to  his  throne 
and  dignity.  The  Lord  will  then  show  his  mag- 
nificence ;  he  will  give  royally.  "  No  good  thing 
will  he  withhold,"  &c.  He  would  have  us  expect 
from  him  no  less  than  all  that  is  good,  no  less 
than  all  that  heart  can  desire.  He  assures  us  of 
no  less  than  all  this  in  the  various  passages  of  his 
word.     He  will  deal  roi/al/ij  with  his  people.     We 


MISCELLANEOUS.  33 

dishonor  him,  and  evidence  great  weakness  of 
faith,  if  we  do  not  expect  it.  It  is  the  glory  of  his 
throne  to  do  it.  "  With  boldness,  therefore,  and 
confidence,"  should  Christians  always  draw  near 
to  present  their  petitions. 

"DEWARE  what  earth  calls  happiness  ;  beware 

All  joys  but  joys  that  never  can  expire. 
"Who  builds  on  less  than  an  immortal  base, 
Eond  as  he  seems,  condemns  his  joys  to  death. 

TI/'E,  who  have  this  veil  of  flesh  standing  between 
» '  us  and  the  world  of  spirits,  must  be  content  to 
know  that  the  Spirit  of  God  is  present  with  us  by 
the  effects  which  he  produces  in  us.  Our  outward 
senses  are  too  gross  to  apprehend  him  :  we  may, 
however,  taste  and  see  how  gracious  he  is  by  his  in- 
fluence upon  our  minds ;  by  those  virtuous  thoughts 
which  he  awakens  in  us ;  by  those  secret  comforts 
and  refreshments  which  he  conveys  into  our  souls ; 
and  by  those  ravishing  joys  and  inward  satisfac- 
tions which  are  perpetually  springing  up  and  dif- 
fusing themselves  amid  all  the  thoughts  of  good 
men.  He  is  lodged  in  our  very  essence,  and  is  as  a 
soul  within  a  soul,  to  irradiate  its  understanding, 
rectify  its  will,  purify  its  passions,  and  enliven  all 
the  powers  of  man.  How  happy,  therefoi-e,  is  an 
intellectual  being,  who,  by  prayer  and  meditation, 
by  virtue  and  good  works,  opens  this  communica- 
tion between  God  and  his  own  soul !  Though  the 
whole  creation  frowns  upon  him,  and  all  nature 
looks  black  about  him,  he  has  his  light  and  sup- 
port within  him  that  are  able  to  cheer  his  mind 
and  bear  him  up  amidst  all  those  horrors  that  en- 
compass him.  He  knows  that  his  Helper  is  at 
3 


34  MISCELLANEOUS. 

hand,  and  is  always  nearer  to  him  than  any  thing 
else  can  be  which  is  ca])ahle  of  annoying  or  terri- 
fying him.  In  the  midst  of  calumny  or  contempt, 
he  attends  to  that  Being  who  whispers  better  things 
within  his  soul,  and  whom  he  looks  upon  as  his 
defender,  his  gloi-y,  and  the  lifter  up  of  his  head. 
In  his  deepest  solitude  and  retirement  he  knows 
that  he  is  in  company  with  the  greatest  of  beings, 
and  perceives  within  himself  such  real  sensations  of 
his  presence  as  are  more  delightful  than  any  thing 
that  can  be  met  with  in  the  conversation  of  his 
creatures.  Even  in  the  hour  of  death  he  consid- 
ers the  pains  of  his  dissolution  to  be  nothing  else 
than  the  breaking  down  of  that  partition  which 
stands  betwixt  his  soul  and  the  sight  of  that  Being 
who  is  always  present  with  him,  and  is  about  to 
manifest  itself  to  him  in  fulness  of  joy. 

If  we  could  be  thus  happy  and  thus  sensible  of 
our  Maker's  presence  from  the  secret  effects  of  his 
mercy  and  goodness,  we  must  keep  such  a  watch 
over  all  our  thoughts  that  "  his  soul  may  have 
pleasure  in  us."  We  must  take  care  not  to  grieve 
his  Holy  Spirit,  and  endeavor  to  make  the  medita- 
tions of  our  hearts  always  acceptable  in  his  sight, 
that  he  may  delight  to  thus  reside  and  dwell  with 
us.  In  a  word,  we  must  endeavor  so  to  live  as  to 
realize  that  gracious  promise  of  his  Son,  "  If  any 
man  love  me,  he  will  keep  my  words  ;  and  my 
Father  will  love  him,  and  Ave  will  come  and  make 
our  abode  with  him. 


MI8CELLA>'EOUS.  35 

PRACTICAL   PIETY. 

" Only  add 

Deeds  to  thy  knowledge  answerable:  add  faith, 
Add  virtue,  patience,  temperance  :  add  love, 
By  name  to  come  called  charity,  the  soul 
Of  all  the  rest,  —  then  wilt  thou  not  be  loath 
To  leave  this  paradise,  but  shalt  possess 
A  paradise  within  thee  happier  far." — Milton. 

ON   THE    TE3IPER   OF   A   TRUE    CHRISTIAN. 

THE  sincere  Christian  lives  in  the  constant  exer- 
cise of  a  devout  spirit.  His  recollection  of  the 
sinfulness  of  his  past  life,  of  that  hateful  period  when 
"  all  the  imaginations  of  the  thoughts  of  his  heart 
were  only  evil  continually,"  wlien  self  was  his  god, 
and  God  was  nothing  to  him  hut  a  name,  and  at  the 
same  time  his  consciousness  of  blindness  and  de- 
pravity, still  ,too  much  remaining,  render  it  a  relief 
to  his  soul  to  pour  out  before  God  complaints  against 
himself.  As  he  increases  in  the  knowledge  of  God 
and  his  own  duty,  the  more  strong  are  his  desires  to 
prostrate  himself  before  the  greatness  of  Eternal  Ex- 
cellency, and  to  be  filled  with  holy  shame  and  con- 
fusion at  his  own  sin  and  defilement.  Sometimes 
he  finds  the  springs  of  ingenuous  sorrow  opened 
within,  and  tastes  a  most  solid  satisfaction  in  giving 
glory  to  the  holiness  of  God  and  his  law.  And 
when  his  aft'ections  are  not  thus  influenced,  he  still 
engages  diligently  in  the  confession  of  his  sin  as  a 
means  of  beholding  more  clearly  its  euDrmity  and 
guilt,  and  of  being  impressed  with  a  more  steadfast 
hatred  of  it.     With  pleasure,  also,  he  addresses  his 


36  MISCELLANEOUS. 

prayer  to  the  Fiitlier  of  lights,  from  whom  every 
good  and  perfect  gift  cometh,  that  divine  grace 
may  be  imparted  to  him,  -because  he  is  fully 
persuaded  that  the  strength  and  increase  of  grace 
must  be  maintained  by  God,  and  not  by  himself. 
Human  virtues  and  social  qualities  will  grow,  he 
sees,  in  Nature's  garden  ;  but  trust  in  God,  spirit- 
ual obedience,  delight  in  him,  and  all  the  tempers 
becoming  a  creature  and  a  sinner,  must  be  the 
workmanship  of  God  by  his  Spirit,  which  is  given 
only  to  them  that  ask  it. 

Therefore,  as  natural  hunger  and  thirst  seek 
their  proper  gratification,  and  the  desire  of  every 
living  soul  is  always  turned  towards  that  which  it 
ap])rehends  as  its  chiefest  good,  so  it  is  his  hunger 
and  thirst  to  receive  out  of  the  fulness  there  is  in 
Christ  "grace  for  grace."  So  far,  therefore,  from 
thinking  prayer  a  burden,  or  performing  it  merely 
as  a  duty,  at  particular  times  and  seasons,  the 
Christian  may  be  said  to  ''  pray  without  ceasing." 
All  places,  as  well  as  his  closet  and  his  church,  are 
the  witnesses  of  the  fellowship  he  maintains  in  this 
manner  with  an  invisible  God.  If  his  sleep  depart 
from  him,  he  is  awake  to  the  sublime  sensations 
of  prayer  and  devotion.  "  With  my  soul,  0  God," 
says  he,  "  have  I  desired  thee  in  the  night ;  yea, 
with  my  spirit  within  me  will  I  seek  thee  early." 

From  the  same  love  to  God  springs  a  real  joy 
to  praise  and  extol  him.  "  It  becometh  avcU  the 
just,"  says  he.  "  to  be  thankful.  Praise  the  Lord, 
O  my  soul ;  and  all  that  is  within  me,  praise  his 
holy  name.  For  he  hath  delivered  my  soul  from 
death,  mine  eyes  from  tears,  and  my  feet  from  fall- 
ing. My  mouth  .shall  therefore  be  tilled  with  mar- 
row and  fatness  while  I  am  praising  thee  with 
joyful    lips.      This    spiritual    entertainment   shall 


MISCELLANEOUS.  37 

prove  as  delicious  to  my  mind  as  the  feast  of  the 
epicure  to*  his  taste,  though  combining  the  richest 
dainties  which  luxury  can  procure." 

And  from  the  same  love  which  the  real  Christian 
bears  to  his  God  and  Savior,  all  things  which  he- 
long  to  God,  his  words,  his  institutions,  and  ordi- 
nances, will  be  objects  of  his  pleasure  and  delight. 
"  Hath  God,"  says  he,  "  written  a  book  of  knowl- 
edge and  grace  for  the  use  of  man  1  and  shall  I  not 
be  glad  to  read  and  hear  the  interesting  contents 
of  it?  Shall  I  not  converse  most  frequently  with 
those  notices  of  himself  which  God  has  sent  us 
from  heaven  ?  Yes^  my  delight  is  placed  on  this 
book  of  God.  O,  how  I  love  thy  law !  It  is  my 
meditation  all  the  day." 

Has  the  glorious  God  appointed  a  method  of 
worship,  and  required  men  to  assemble  in  multi- 
tudes to  address  his  divine  majesty?  "I  love," 
says  the  real  Christian,  "the  habitation  of  thine 
house  and  the  place  wliere  thine  honor  dwelleth  ; 
one  day  in  thy  courts  is  better  than  a  thousand." 

Has  God  appointed  pastors  and  teachers  for  the 
work  of  the  ministry,  for  the  perfecting  of  his  saints, 
for  the  edifying  of  his  body,  the  church,  and  promised 
to  bless  and  succeed  their  faithful  discourses,  and  to 
be  with  them  always  till  the  end  of  the  world  ?  '•  It 
is  with  raised  expectations  and  steady  attention," 
says  the  Christian.  "  that  I  will  hear  the  ministers 
of  the  Lord,  and  look  through  the  infirmities  of  the 
speaker  to  the  appointment  and  promise  of  the 
God  of  all  grace,  who  has  seen  fit  to  choose  men 
to  be  instruments  and  ministers  of  grace  to  men, 
their  hearers.  And  lias  He,  who  was  dead  for  my 
sins,  and  is  alive  again  and  liveth  forevermore,  left 
with  his  church  the  memorial  of  his  abundant  good- 
ness and  bleeding   love,  commanding  his  people 


38  MISCELLANEOUS. 

to  feast  upon  it.  that  his  sacrifice  might  grow 
more  precious  in  their  eyes  ?  I  will  with  solemn 
'oy  and  gratitude  join  tlie  faithful  company  who 
eat  of  that  bread  and  drink  of  that  cup,  as  a  pub- 
lic testimony  that  every  Ijlessing  I  have  received 
of  God,  and  every  benefit  I  hope  for,  does  and  will 
descend  upon  me  only  through  the  atoning  death 
of  Jesus  Christ  the  righteous. 

And  though  it  nmst  be  confessed  that  it  is  not 
in  the  Christian's  power  to  be  always  full  of  delight 
in  holy  duties,  —  though  he  has  too  often  cause  to 
bemoan  the  want  of  a  more  devout  and  spiritual 
frame  of  mind  when  he  is  using  the  means  of 
grace,  — yet  the  godly  disposition  of  his  soul  suffers 
no  such  change.  God  is  still  the  constant  object 
of  his  reverence  and  trust,  of  his  gratitude  and 
love ;  and  therefore,  whether  he  experiences  more 
or  less  pleasure  in  the  solemn  acts  of  devotion,  he 
is  still  punctual  in  them  ;  he  grows  not  weary  of 
tliem,  but  of  tlie  body  of  sin,  which  proves  so  iieavy 
an  encumbrance,  when  he  would  have  his  soul  full 
of  fervent  adoration  of  God. 

THE    savior's    care    OF    HIS    PEOPLE. 

HE  who  once  bore  our  sins  and  carried  our  sor- 
rows is  seated  upon  a  throne  of  glory,  and 
exercises  all  power  in  heaven  and  earth.  Thrones, 
principalities,  and  powers  bow  before  him.  Every 
event  in  the  kingdoms  of  providence  and  grace  are 
under  his  control.  His  providence  pervades  and 
manages  the  whole,  and  is  as  winutely  attentive  to 
every  part  as  if  there  were  only  that  single  object  in 
his  view.  From  the  highest  archangel  to  the  mean- 
est ant  or  fly,  all  depend  on  him  for  their  being, 
their  preservation,  and  their  powers.     He  directs 


MISCELLANEOUS.  39 

the  sparrows  where  to  build  their  nests  and  to 
find  their  food.  .  He  overrules  the  rise  and  fall 
of  nations,  and  bends  with  an  invincible  energy 
and  unerrino-  wisdom  all  events ;  so  that,  while 
many  intend  nothing  less,  in  the  issue,  their  designs 
all  concur  and  coincide  in  the  accomplishment  of 
his  will.  He  restrains,  with  a  mighty  hand,  the 
still  more  formidable  efforts  of  the  powers  of  dark- 
ness ;  and  Satan,  with  all  his  hosts,  cannot  exert 
their  malice  a  hair's  breadth  beyond  the  limits  of 
his  permission.  This  is  he  who  is  the  head  and 
husband  of  his  believing  people.  How  happy  are 
they  whom  it  is  his  good  pleasure  to  bless  !  How 
safe  are  they  whom  he  has  engaged  to  protect ! 
How  honored  and  privileged  are  they  to  whom  he  is 
pleased  to  manifest  himself,  and  whom  he  enables 
and  warrants  to  claim  him  as  their  friend  and  por- 
tion ! 

Having  redeemed  them  by  his  blood,  he  sets  a 
high  value  upon  them  ;  he  esteems  them  his  treas- 
ure, his  jewels,  and  keeps  them  as  the  pupil  of  his 
eye.  They  shall  not  want ;  they  need  not  fear  ; 
his  eye  is  upon  them  in  every  situation  ;  his  ear  is 
open  to  their  pi'ayers.  and  his  everlasting  arms  are 
under  them  for  their  sure  support.  On  earth  he 
guides  their  steps,  controls  their  enemies,  and 
directs  all  his  dispensations  for  their  good  :  while 
in  heaven  he  is  pleading  their  cause,  preparing 
them  a  place,  and  imparting  to  them  the  reviving 
foretastes  of  the  glory  that  shall  be  shortly  re- 
vealed. 0,  how  is  this  mystery  hidden  from  an 
unbelieving  world  !  Who  can  believe  it.  till  it  is 
made  known  by  experience,  what  an  intercourse  is 
maintained  in  this  land  of  shadows  between  the 
Lord  of  glory  and  sinful  worms  !  How  sliould  we 
praise  him  that  he  has  visited  us  !  for  we  were  once 


40  MISCELLANEOUS. 

blind  to  his  beauty  and  insensible  to  his  love ;  and 
should  liave  remained  so  to  the  last  had  he  not 
pi-evented  us  Avith  his  goodness,  and  been  found 
of  us  when  we  sought  him  not. 

DEATH, 

T  CONGRATULATE  you  and  myself  that  life 
-L  is  fast  passing  away.  What  a  superlatively 
grand  and  consoling  idea  is  that  of  death  !  With- 
out this  radiant  idea,  —  this  delightful  morning 
star,  indicating  that  the  luminary  of  eternity  is 
going  to  rise,  —  life  would,  to  my  view,  darken  into 
midnight  melancholy.  0,  the  expectation  of  living 
here,  and  living  thus  always,  would  be  indeed  a 
prospect  of  overwhelming  despair.  But  thanks 
to  that  fiital  decree  that  dooms  us  to  die !  thanks 
to  that  gospel  which  opens  the  visions  of  an  end- 
less life !  and  thanks,  above  all,  to  that  Savior 
friend  who  has  promised  to  conduct  the  faithful 
through  the  sacred  trance  of  death  into  the  scenes 
of  paradise  and  everlasting  delight !  — /.  Foster. 

\  FFLICTION  is  the  wholesome  soil  of  virtue ; 

Where  patience,  honor,  sweet  humanity, 
Calm  fortitude  take  root  and  strongly  flourish. 

WHAT  sculpture  is  to  a  block  of  marble,  edu- 
cation is  to  the  human  soul.  The  philoso- 
pher, the  saint,  tlie  hero,  the  wise,  and  the  good,  or 
the  great,  very  often  lie  hid  and  concealed  in  a 
plebeian,  which  a  proper  education  might  have 
disinterred  and  brought  to  light.  —  Addison, 


MISCELLANEOUS.  41 

SHAME  is  a  g:reat  restraint  upon  sinners  at  first ; 
but  that  soon  falls  off;  and  when  men  have  once 
lost  their  innocence,  their  modesty  is  not  likely  to 
be  long  troublesome  to  them.  For  impudence 
comes  on  with  vice,  and  grows  up  with  it.  Lesser 
vices  do  not  banish  all  shame  and  modesty  ;  hut 
great  and  abominable  crimes  harden  men's  fore- 
heads, and  make  them  shameless.  When  men 
have  the  heart  to  do  a  very  bad  thing,  they  seldom 
want  the  face  to  bear  it  out.  —  Tillotson. 

THE  foolish  and  wicked  practice  of  profane  curs- 
ing and  swearing  is  a  vice  so  mean  and  low  that 
every  person  of  sense  and  character  detests  and 
despises  it.  —  Gen.  Washington. 

THE  seeds   of  repentance  are  sown  in  youth  by 
pleasure ;  but  the  harvest  is  reaped  in  age  by 
pain. 

ALL  the  precepts  of  Christianity  agree  to  teach 
and  command  us  to  moderate  our  passions,  to 
temper  our  affections  towards  all  things  below  ;  to 
be  tlaankful  for  the  possession,  and  patient  under 
the  loss,  whenever  He  that  gave  shall  see  fit  to  take 
away. 

LORD    BACON. 

THIS  gentleman  was  one  of  the  greatest  geniuses 
of  England,  and,  what  is  more  than  all,  a  sin- 
cere Christian.  How  pleasant  to  turn  away  from 
the  vaporing  pomp  and  parade  of  philosophers  and 
infidels  to  the  pages  of  such  men  as  Bacon,  and 
hear  him  saying,  "A  little  philosopliy  inclineth 
men's  minds  to  atheism  ;  but  depths  in  phil(;sophy 
bring  men's  minds  about  to  religion  " !     We  find  a 


42  MISCELT.ANEOUS. 

prayer  of  his  which  beojins  with  these  Avords,  and 
which  we  record  as  liis  last  testimony :  "  Thy 
creatures,  O  Lord,  have  been  my  books ;  but  thy 
Holy  Scriptures  much  more.  I  have  sought  thee  in 
the  courts,  fields,  and  gardens ;  but  I  have  found 
thee,  0  God,  in  thy  sanctuary,  thy  temples." 

THE    CHRISTIAN,    IN    SICKNESS   AND    DEATH. 

IX  sickness,  the  supreme  wisdom  of  having  been 
careful  above  all  things  for  the  soul  will  display 
itself  with  peculiar  lustre  in  the  Christian.  For, 
though  health  is  absolutely  essential  to  a  sensitive 
happiness,  though  the  least  bodily  disorder  deprives 
the  proud  and  worldly  minded  of  their  enjoyments, 
yet  the  soul,  if  with  due  care  it  has  been  exercised 
in  the  ways  appointed  by  God,  finds  sources  fi*om 
which  to  derive  consolation  under  the  most  vio- 
lent pressures ;  consolations  sutttcient  to  l)anish 
both  outward  impatience  and  inward  dejection 
from  their  accustomed  tlirone,  the  chaml)er  of 
sickness  and  pain.  AVith  a  lovely  and  edifying 
meekness  he  will  regard  such  discipline,  though 
trying  to  sense  and  oppressive  to  the  flesh,  as  pre- 
pared by  the  merciful  and  all-wise  Refiner  to  purge 
away  every  base  mixture  that  still  cleaves  to  and 
defiles  the  soul.  Its  welfare,  dearer  to  him  than 
all  external  comforts,  will  induce  him  to  welcome 
the  visitations  which  are  of  such  sovereign  use  to 
promote  its  health.  In  short,  in  sickness  the  whole 
man  is  a  miserable  suflTerer  where  the  soul  has 
been  forgotten  ;  but  where  earnestly  cared  for  and 
instructed  in  divine  truth,  the  inferior  part  alone 
feels  the  pressure. 

And  further :  death,  the  touchstone  of  all  true 
worth,  and  therefore  the  king  of  terrors  to  those 


MISCELLANEOUS.  43 

whose  care  every  thing  has  shared  but  their  souls, 
—  even  death  itself  will  confirm  the  supreme  wis- 
dom of  the  Christian's  conduct.  The  death  bed, 
on  which  the  gay,  the  prosperous,  and  the  noble 
lay  down  their  heads  appalled  and  confounded,  is 
the  theatre  for  displaying  the  fortitude  of  those  who 
have  sought,  as  the  one  thing  needful,  the  salvation 
of  the  soul.  The  former  are  confounded,  because 
unprepared.  The  loss  of  all  they  valued  is  coming 
upon  them  :  their  approaching  change  can  promise 
them  nothing  ;  it  is  much  if  it  forebode  not  dreadful 
consequences.  But  to  the  latter  every  thing  wears 
another  aspect.  Must  the  world  be  left  by  them  ? 
It  has  already  been  renounced  and  vanquished. 
Must  all  temporal  good  be  forsaken  forever '?  How 
placid,  how  calm,  the  surrender  when  the  riches  of 
eternity  are  theirs  !  No  striving,  no  querulous  re- 
pining against  the  irresistible  summons  to  depart, 
when  that  very  departure  has  been  habitually  ex- 
pected as  a  translation  of  the  soul  to  its  proper, 
everlasting  happiness. 

In  fact,  dying  Christians,  that  is,  all  that  have 
duly  sought  in  a  right  method  the  salvation  of  the 
soul,  have  given  proofs  of  the  supreme  wisdom  of 
their  conduct  in  the  hour  of  nature's  sorrow  and 
distress  ;  so  that  those  fine  lines  of  Dr.  Young  are 
most  justly  descriptive  of  the  happy  few  whose 
souls  have  been  more  precious  to  them  than  every 
temporal  concern  or  comfort :  — 

"  The  chamber  where  the  good  man  meets  his  fate 
Is  privileged  beyond  the  common  walk 
Of  virtuous  life,  quite  on  the  verge  of  heaven. 
Heaven  waits  on  the  last  moment,  owns  her  friends 
On  this  side  death,  and  points  them  out  to  men  : 
A  lecture  silent,  but  of  sovereign  power !  " 


44  MISCELLANEOUS. 

WILBERFORCE   RICHMOND. 

THE  interesting  narrative,  recorded  by  the  Rev. 
E.  Bickerstetii,  of  the  final  hours  of  W.  Rich- 
mond, the  second  son  of  the  Rev.  L.  Richmond, 
will  supply  an  illustration  of  early  piety,  and  of  its 
power  to  sustain  the  mind  of  the  young  in  the  pros- 
pect of  coming  dissolution. 

In  answer  to  his  father's  question,  "  What  are 
your  present  feelings,  my  dear  boy  1 "  he  replied,  — 

''  I  feel,  papa,  more  hope  than  joy.  I  have  read 
of  ecstasies  in  the  view  of  dying  which  others  have 
experienced,  and  to  which  I  am  still  a  stranger ; 
but  I  have  a  hope,  founded  on  the  word  of  God, 
which  cheers  and  supports  me.  I  know  in  whom  I 
have  trusted;  and  I  believe  he  will  neither  leave 
nor  forsake  me.  I  am  not  afraid  of  death ;  but  as 
I  think  my  time  will  not  be  long,  I  wish  to  put 
myself  in  the  Lord's  hand,  and  then  into  yours, 
that  you  may  search  and  try  me  whether  I  am  in 
any  error." 

"  I  found  his  mind,"  writes  his  father,  "  clear  as 
to  the  great  principle  of  his  acceptance  with  God, 
clearly  and  unequivocally  through  the  death  and 
righteousness  of  Christ.  In  the  most  simple  and 
satisfactory  manner  he  renounced  all  dependence 
upon  every  word  and  deed  of  his  own.  '  It  is,' 
said  he,  '  as  a  guilty  sinner  before  God  that  I 
throw  myself  upon  his  mercy ;  I  have  no  excuse 
to  offer  for  myself,  no  plea  to  put  in  wliy  God 
should  not  utterly  destroy  me,  but  that  Christ  died 
to  save,  to  pardon,  and  to  bless  me.  It  is  his  free 
gift,  and  not  my  deserving.  O  papa,  what  would 
become  of  me  if  salvation  were  by  works  !  .  What 
have  I  ever  done?  And  above  all,  what  in  my  pres- 
ent state  could  I  now  do,  to  merit  any  thing  at  his 


MISCELLANEOUS.  45 

hands  ?  God  forbid  that  I  should  rest  upon  such 
a  fliinsi/,  fallacious  system  of  divinity  as  that  which 
ascribes  merit  to  man.  I  'have  no  merit.  I  can 
have  none.  I  thank  God  I  have  long  known  this. 
I  fear  many  trust  in  themselves,  and  thus  rob 
Christ  of  his  glory.' 

''•  I  referred,"  said  his  father  at  another  time  "  to 
a  conversation  which  I  once  had  with  an  individual 
who  objected  to  an  application  of  that  expression 
'  the  chiet  of  sinners,'  to  himself,  and  said  it  was 
only   mtended   to   describe   the   peculiar    circum- 
stances of  St.  Paul.     '  Then  I  am  sure,'  said  Wil- 
bertorce,  '  that  person  could  not  have  been   rightly 
convmccd  of  guilt  in  his  own  conscience.     I  do  not 
knovv  what  the  critic  may  say  on  such  a  passage: 
but  I  am   quite  satisfied  that  when  the  heart  is 
opened  to  itself,  the  expression,  "chief  of  sinners" 
will  not  appear  too  strong  to  describe  its  cliaracte'r. 
I  have  often  heard  you  say,  papa,  that  the  view  of 
religion  which   most   honors    God   is    that   which 
most   debases  the   sinner  and   exalts  the  Savior.     I 
never^  felt  this  to  be  so  true  as  at  the  present  mo- 
ment.     His  pallid  but  intelligent  countenance,  as 
he  said  this,  seemed  to  express  more  than  he  could 
nnd  words  to  utter." 

Tovvards  the  close  of  his  life,  when  his  fever  ran 
high,  he  awaked  from  ashort  doze.  "I  observed 
him  '  again  says  his  father,  "  rest  his  eyes  on  a 
globe  of  water  which  stood  near  a  window  and 
contained  a  gold  fish.  I  asked  what  he  was  lookino- 
at  so  earnestly.  He  replied,  ^  I  have  watched  the 
mechanical  motion  of  our  gold  and  silver  fish  in 
that  globe.  There  is  now  only  one  left,  and  that 
seems  to  be  weak  and  sickly. "  I  wonder  which  of 
us  will  live  the  longest,  the  fish  or  L'  He  paused 
and  then  added,  '  That  fish,  my  dear  papa,  is  sup- 


46  MISCELLANEOUS. 

ported  by  the  water  in  the  vessel ;  but  I  hope  I  am 
supported  by  tlie  waters  of  salvation.  The  fish 
will  soon  die  and  live  no  more  ;  but  if  I  am  upheld 
by  the  water  of  salvation,  I  shall  live  forever.' 
Soon  after  a  gleam  of  light  from  the  setting  sun 
slione  upon  the  gold  fish,  and  produced  a  brilliant 
reflection  from  its  scales,  as  it  swam  in  the  glass 
vessel.     '  Look,'  said  he,  '  at  its  beauty  now  ! ' 

'•  So.  my  dear  boy,  may  a  bright  and  more  glo- 
rious sun  shine  on  you,  and  gild  the  evening  of 
your  days  ! 

"  '  I  hope,'  he  replied,  '  although  I  sometimes 
feel  a  cloud  and  a  doubt  pass  across  my  mind,  that 
in  the  evening  time  there  shall  be  light,  and  then 
in  his  light  I  shall  see  light.' " 

The  conflicts  of  this  youth,  as  death  approached, 
were  sometimes  unusually  severe.  '•  O,  death ! 
death  !  what  is  it '?  I  have  still  to  go  through 
death  —  the  dark  valley  !  "  Suddenly,  with  a  wild 
expression  of  countenance,  and  in  a  bitter  tone,  he 
exclaimed,  "  O,  agony  !  agony  !  agony  !  I  shall 
perish,  after  all !  Satan  will  have  me,  after  all ! 
Papa,  pray  for  me ;  he  tells  me  I  shall  be  lost ;  he 
tells  me  my  sins  will  damn  me.  O  papa,  this  is 
agony  !  all  is  dark,  dark  !  all  gone,  all  lost !  And 
has  Christ  brought  me  thus  far  to  leave  me  at 
last  1  " 

The  fiither  remonstrated,  wept,  and  prayed  with 
his  son.  But  he  could  not  receive  the  offered  con- 
solation. 

"  0  papa,  what  will  become  of  me  ?  I  am 
going  into  the  dark  valley  alone.  Jesus  has  left 
me.  It  is  all  dark,  dark,  dark  !  The  '  rod  and 
staflf'  do  not  support  me.  Satan  fights  hard  for 
me  ;  and  he  will  carry  me  away  at  last." 

At  length  the  cloud  departed,  and  the  sunshine 


MISCELLANEOUS.  47 

of  salvation  beamed  again  upon  the  spiiit.  Here 
is  the  blessed  exit :  — 

"  '  What  is  to-morrow  ?  '  he  asked. 

"  '  It  is  the  Sabbath.' 

"  He  seemed  pleased,  and  earnestly  begged  that 
the  congregation  might  be  requested  to  pi'ay  foi 
him  in  the  church.  On  Sunday  morning  he  was 
much  weaker,  and  his  end  was  evidently  fast  ap- 
proaching. To  a  kind  friend  who  had  nursed  him 
he  said,  '  How  do  I  look  now  ? ' 

'•  She  saw  the  approach  of  death  in  his  languid 
eye  and  pallid  countenance.  '  You  look  worse, 
master  William  :  I  do  not  think  that  you  can  live 
much  longer.' 

"  The  effect  ]iroduced  by  her  opinion  was  truly 
astonishing.  His  dim  eye  lighted  up  ;  all  his  fea- 
tures assumed  a  new  life  ;  and,  turning  to  her,  he 
said,  '  O,  thank  you,  dear  Mrs.  G. ;  good  news  ;  you 
tell  me  good  news.  Shall  I  indeed  be  in  heaven 
to-day  ?  '  His  father  came  into  the  room.  'Papa,' 
said  he,  '  how  do  I  look  ?     Am  I  altered  "? ' 

"  '  No,  my  dear  boy ;  I  see  little  difference  in 
you.' 

"  He  was  evidently  disappointed.  'Do  you  see 
no  difference  ? '  said  he.  '  Mrs.  G.  does.  She  has 
made  me  happy;  she  thinks  I  may  die  to-day.' 

"My  father  sat  with  him  the  whole  of  the  day 
while  we  were  at  church,  and  Willy  asked  him  to 
read  the  service  for  the  visitation  of  the  sick.  He 
listened  with  devout  attention  ;  and  when  it  was 
ended  he  said,  '  0,  my  dear  papa,  what  beautiful 
prayers  !  What  an  affecting  service  !  It  expresses 
my  whole  heart.' 

"  He  then  said  to  his  mother,  '  I  love  to  look  at 
you,  mamma;  I  love  to  smile  at  you;  but  I  want 
to  smile  at  Jesus.' 


48  MISCELLANEOUS. 

"  He  had  been  accustomed  to  teach  a  class  in 
Sunday  school,  and  begged  that  his  dying  message 
miglit  be  written  down  and  sent  to  the  children 
that  evening.  He  had  not  been  able  to  lie  in  bed 
for  a  week,  owing  to  the  pain  in  his  side ;  but  on 
Sunday  evening  he  expressed  a  wish  to  be  un- 
dressed and  put  to  bed,  being  inclined  to  sleep. 
He  was  accordingly  put  to  bed,  and  lay  very  tran- 
quil and  comfortable.  His  father  stood  watching- 
beside  him  till  he  thought  him  asleep.  He  then 
went  to  his  study,  as  he  afterwards  told  us,  to  pray 
that,  if  it  were  God's  will,  his  child  might  have 
quiet  and  ease  in  his  last  moments  ;  for  he  much 
dreaded  the  severity  of  a  dying  agony,  which,  from 
the  past,  he  thought  probable.  As  he  was  going 
away  he  blessed  him,  and  looking  at  him,  as  he  lay 
serene  and  beautiful  in  his  repose,  he  said,  '  So  he 
giveth  his  beloved  sleep.' 

"  Willy  opened  his  eyes  on  hearing  these  words, 
and  replied,  '  Yes,  dear  papa ;  and  the  rest  which 
Christ  gives  is  sweet.'  These  were  his  last  words. 
He  immediately  sank  into  a  long  and  peaceful 
slumber.  Mrs.  G.,  his  faithful  nurse,  stood  and 
watched  beside  him.  We  could  hear  distinctly 
every  breath  he  drew,  and  the  least  change  in  the 
sound  was  perceptible.  One  or  two  breathings 
were  slower  and  longer,  which  made  us  get  up  and 
look  at  him.  He  appeared  as  if  slumbering  very 
sweetly.  There  was  no  alteration  in  his  counte- 
nance ;  and  we  were  going  to  sit  down  again,  when 
Mrs.  G.  said,  '  Call  your  papa  immediately.'  We 
did  so,  and  he  came  just  in  time  to  hear  his  last 
sigh." 


MISCELLANEOUS.  49 

TRUST    IN   GOD. 

AN  eminent  part  of  the  Christian  disposition  is 
trust  in  God.  The  sin  of  unbelief,  though  so 
often  upbraided  in  Scripture,  so  dishonorable  to 
God,  and  so  hurtful  to  ourselves,  is  still  the  sin 
which  naturally  prevails  in  all  men  ;  and  even  the 
Christian  is  sometimes  assaulted  and  greatly  per- 
plexed by  it.  But,  though  he  must  confess  that  in 
seasons  of  great  difficulty  and  danger  he  is  some- 
times afraid,  he  can  say  with  equal  truth,  '•  Yet  will 
1  put  my  trust  in  God."  He  can  and  does  habitu- 
ally pay  to  his  Maker  the  most  acceptable  homage 
of  placing  his  supreme  confidence  in  him.  He, 
and  he  alone,  can  do  this ;  because  he  not  only 
knows,  in  general,  that  "great  is  the  Lord,  and 
great  is  his  power,  yea,  and  his  wisdom  is  infinite," 
but  he  has  positive  and  express  promises  of  grace, 
mercy,  and  peace  made  to  him.  For,  as  true  re- 
pentance, humiliation,  and  faith  in  Jesus  have 
taken  possession  of  his  heart,  and  are  habitually 
exercised  by  him,  so,  when  he  looks  into  the  holy 
volume,  he  sees  God  always  described  as  full  of 
compassion  and  abundant  in  mercy  and  truth  to 
all  repenting  and  believing  sinners.  The  sight  of 
this  constantly  invigorates  his  hope  and  increases 
his  confidence. 

Besides,  he  is  persuaded  tHat  God  has  given 
his  dear  Son,  not  only  as  a  pledge  of  his  affection 
towards  sinners,  but  as  a  sin  offering  for  them.  On 
the  merit  of  this  sacrifice  he  builds  his  confidence  ; 
he  fixes  his  dependence  where  alone  it  ought  to  be, 
on  the  God  of  his  salvation.  '•  God  has  promised," 
says  he,  "  to  bring  every  one  to  glory  who  receives 
his  only-begotton  Son  and  trusts  on  his  arm.  He 
hath  confirmed  this  promise  even  with  an  oath ; 
4 


50  MISCELLANEOUS. 

he  has  enf^aged  himself  by  a  covenant,  ratified  in 
the  blood  of  his  Son.  The  Son,  as  Mediator  and 
High  Priest  of  his  church,  now  appears  perpetually 
before  the  throne  of  glory  for  all  who  come  to  God 
by  him.  He  makes  ettectual  intercession  for  the 
-relief  of  their  wants,  and  for  the  gift  of  all  things 
which  can  edify,  comfort,  and  make  them  meet  for 
heaven."  Filled  with  this  knowledge,  and  embold- 
ened by  it,  he  trusts  in  the  Lord,  and  stays  himself 
upon  his  God.  "  Though  it  would  be  presump- 
tion," he  says,  '•  and  enthusiasm  in  me  to  expect  to 
receive  from  God  what  he  has  nowhere  promised, 
or  what  he  has  promised  in  a  way  different  from 
what  he  has  prescribed,  yet  whilst  I  am  living  by 
faith  in  the  Son  of  God,  and  testifying  my  un- 
feigned subjection  to  him  as  my  sovereign  Lord,  I 
can  but  rejoice  in  the  thought  that  God  is  faithful, 
who  has  given  us  exceeding  great  and  precious 
promises,  and  that  he  is  able  to  do  exceedingly 
above  all  that  I  can  ask  or  think.'" 

And  as  the  Christian  first  exercises  trust  in  God, 
encouraged  by  the  revelation  he  has  made  of 
himself  in  the  gospel  and  the  promises  he  has  free- 
ly given,  —  which  none  beside  himself  receive  with 
sincerity,  —  so,  upon  every  advance  he  makes  in 
knowledge  and  grace,  the  grounds  of  his  confidence 
in  God  grow  clearer  and  stronger.  His  own  happy 
experience  confirms  the  truth  of  eveiy  promise 
which  at  first  engaged  his  dependence.  The  truth 
of  the  word  of  the  Lord  is  tried  to  the  uttermost, 
by  a  vast  variety  of  temptations  and  enemies,  that 
it  may  be  made  manifest  whether  there  is  any  de- 
ceit in  it;  but  the  experiment,  though  never  so  often 
repeated,  always  confirms  its  value.  He  beholds 
his  vile  afiections  awakened  and  mortified,  the 
violence  of  his  enemies  restrained,  the  pleasures 


MISCELLANEOUS.  51 

and  hopes  of  his  spiritual  life  all  exactly  corre- 
sponding with  the  account  given  in  the  word  of 
God.  Therefore,  from  this  evidence  of  its  truth  he 
sees  that  it  is  good  for  him  to  hold  fast  by  God 
and  to  put  his  trust  in  the  Lord  God.  And  though 
whilst  he  remains  in  this  fallen  world,  and  has  the 
principle  of  corruption  in  his  heart,  he  may  often 
find  evil  propensities  and  workings  of  unbelief,  yet 
he  is  grieved,  ashamed,  and  confounded  at  their 
appearance  5  he  complains  of  himself  unto  God ; 
he  cries,  "  Lord,  increase  my  faith  ;  deliver  me  from 
an  evil  heart  of  unbelief."  And  thus  he  is  enabled 
with  boldness  to  say,  "  Behold,  God  is  my  salva- 
tion ;  I  will  trust,  and  not  be  afraid  ;  for  the  Lord 
Jehovah  is  my  strength  and  my  song ;  he  also  is 
become  my  salvation."  (Is.  xii.  2.) 

But  what  completes  the  Christian's  trust  in  God, 
even  under  the  most  afflictive  visitations,  is  the 
promise  from  himself,  repeated  upon  various  occa- 
sions, to  this  effect :  "  That  all  things  shall  work 
together  for  good  to  them  that  love  GodJ'  His  afflic- 
tions, therefore,  he  believes  are  so  far  from  being 
the  scourge  of  an  enemy  or  the  wound  of  a  cruel 
one,  so  far  from  coming  by  chance  or  upon  a 
design  of  vengeance,  that  they  ai'e  sent  with  a  view 
to  his  loelfare.  It  is  "for  our  profit"  that  God 
afflicts,  to  make  us  "partakers  of  his  holiness." 
A  lively  persuasion  of  this  truth  prevents  the  cross 
from  galling,  though  it  does  not  remove  it:  it  gives 
to  every  suffering  a  kind  and  friendly  appeax-ance. 
"  Thou,  O  God,  of  very  faithfulness  hast  caused 
me  to  be  troubled.  It  is  the  cup  which  my  Father 
hath  given  me  ;  shall  I  not  drink  it  ?  " 

CONSTANT   activity,  in   endeavoring   to   make 
others  happy,  is  one  of  the  surest  ways  of  mak- 
ing ourselves  so. 


52  MISCELLANEOUS. 


REMORSE. 


LET  the  virtuous  remember,  amidst  their  afflic- 
tion, that,  though  the  heart  of  a  good  man  may 
bleed  even  to  death,  it  will  never  feel  a  torment 
equal  to  the  rendings  of  remorse. 

TjEATH  is  the  crown  of  life. 

Were  death  denied,  poor  man  would  live  in 
vain ; 
Were  death  denied,  to  live  would  not  be  life ; 
Were  death  denied,  even  fools  would  wish  to  die. 
Death  wounds  to  cure;  we  fall  to  rise  and  reign. 
The  King  of  Terrors  is  the  Prince  of  Peace. 

Young. 

pHRISTIANITY  is  the  good  man's  text;    his 
^  life  the  illustx-ation. 

AS  amber  attracts  a  straw,  so  does  beauty  admi- 
ration, which  only  lasts  while  the  warmth  con- 
tinues ;  but  virtue,  wisdom,  goodness,  and  real 
worth,  like  the  loadstone,  never  lose  their  power. 
These  are  the  true  graces  which,  as  the  poet  feigns, 
are  linked  and  tied  hand  in  hand,  because  it  is  by 
their  influence  that  human  hearts  are  so  firmly 
united  to  each  other.  —  Burton. 


rpHE  Holy  Ghost  delights  to  lade  the  wings 
J-   secret  prayer  with  his  sweetest^  choicest,  and  ri 


of 
rich- 
est blessi)igs.  Hence  it  is  that  the  word  of  Christ 
dwells  most  richly  in  those  who  are  most  diligent 
and  fervent  in  pouring  out  their  hearts  to  him  in 
secret. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  53 

MARKS  OF  A  PROSPEROUS  SOUL. 

1  A    GOOD  hope  of  acceptance  by  faith  in  Christ. 

2  -^  A  continued  vvitness  of  God's  Spirit  that  our 
sins  are  pardoned. 

3  A  constant  exercise  to  have  a  conscience  void  of 
offence  towards  God  and  man. 

4  A  sweet  and  calm  confidence  that  all  our  affairs 
are  under  the  direction  of  God,  so  as  to  be  fully 
satisfied  that  he  will  order  and  overrule  all  for 
our  good. 

5  Life  and  communion  with  God  in  prayer,  public 
worship,  and  reading  his  holy  word. 

6  An  abiding  conviction  that  we,  and  all  we  have, 
are  the  Lord's,  that  we  may  serve  him  with  all 
our  mind  and  strength. 

\  DAM'S  righteousness,  if  it  had  continued  a 
-^  thousand  years,  might  have  been  lost  by  sin ; 
but  Christ's  righteousness  makes  an  end  of  sin. 
and  so  makes  a  justified  state  endless.  Thus  se- 
cure are  those  who  are  interested  in  him  by  faith, 
and  who  evidence  the  genuineness  of  it  by  a  life 
conformable  to  his  will. 


EN  of  the  noblest  dispositions  think  themselves 
happiest  when   others   share   their  happiness 
with  them.  —  Taylor. 

OPEND  your  time,  says  Baxter,  in  nothing  which 
^  you  know  must  be  repented  of.  Spend  it  in 
nothing  on  which  you  might  not  pray  for  the  bless- 
ing of  God.  Spend  it  in  nothing  which  you  could 
not  review  with  a  quiet  conscience  on  your  dying 
bed.  Spend  it  in  nothing  which  you  might'  not 
safely  and  properly  be  found  doing,  if  death  should 
surprise  you  in  the  act. 


54  MISCELLANEOUS. 

THE  moral  virtues,  without  religion,  are  but 
cold,  lifeless,  and  insipid  -,  it  is  only  religion 
which  opens  tlie  mind  to  great  conceptions,  fills 
it  with  the  most  sublime  ideas,  and  warms  the  soul 
with  more  than  sensual  pleasures. — Addison. 

ri'^RUE  happiness,  says  Addison,  is  of  a  retired 
J-  nature,  and  an  enemy  to  pomp  and  noise;  it 
arises,  in  the  first  place,  from  the  enjoyment  of 
one's  self;  and  in  the  next,  in  the  friendship  and 
conversation  of  a  few  select  companions.  It  loves 
^shade  and  solitude,  and  naturally  haunts  groves 
and  fountains,  fields  and  meadows ;  in  short,  it 
feels  every  thing  it  wants  within  itself,  and  receives 
no  addition  from  multitudes  of  witnesses  and  spec- 
tators. On  the  contrary,  false  happiness  loves  to 
be  in  a  crowd,  and  to  draw  the  eyes  of  the  world 
upon  her.  She  does  not  receive  any  satisfaction 
from  the  applause  which  she  gives  herself,  but 
from  the  admiration  Avhich  she  raises  in  others. 
She  flourishes  in  courts  and  palaces,  theatres  and 
assemblies,  and  has  no  existence  but  when  she  is 
looked  upon. 

PROCRASTINATION  has  been  called  a  thief; 
-JC  the  thief  of  time.  I  wish  it  were  no  worse 
than  a  thief.  It  is  &  murderer ;  and  that  which  it 
kills  is  not  tinie  merely,  but  the  immortal  soul. — 
Neoins. 

I  HAVE  known,  says  the  pious  Dr.  Coleridge, 
what  the  enjoyments  and  advantages  of  this 
life  are,  and  what  the  more  refined  pleasui'es  which 
learning  and  intellectual  power  can  bestow;  and 
with  all  the  experience  that  more  than  threescore 
years  can  give,  I  now,  on  the  eve  of  my  departure, 


MISCELLANEOUS.  55, 

declare  to  you  that  health  is  a  great  blessing ;  com- 
petence, obtained  by  honorable  industry,  a  great 
blessing;  and  a  great  blessing  it  is  to  have  kind, 
fixithful,  and  loving  friends  and  relatives  ;  but  that 
\h6  greatest  of  all  blessings,  as  it  is  the  most  ennobling 
of  all  privileges,  is  to  be  indeed  A  christian. 

I  SEE  it  is  much  easier  to  pull  up  many  weeds 
out  of  a  garden  than  one  corruption  out  of  the 
heart ;  and  to  procure  a  hundred  flowers  to  adorn 
a  knot,  than  one  grace  to  beautify  the  soul.  It  is 
more  natural  to  corrupt  man  to  envy  than  to  imi- 
tate the  spiritual  excellences  of  others. 

GOD    ON   THE    SIDE    OP   VIRTUE. 

fTIHERE  are  two  things  that  speak  as  with  a  voice 
-L  from  heaven  — that  He  who  Alls  that  eternal 
throne  must  be  on  the  side  of  virtue,  and  that 
which  he  befriends  must  finally  prosper  and  pre- 
vail. The  first  is,  that  the  bad  are  never  complete- 
ly happy  and  at  ease,  although  possessed  of  every 
thing  that  this  Avorld  can  bestow  ;  and  that  the 
good  are  never  completely  miserable,  although  de- 
prived of  every  thing  that  this  world  can  take 
away.  The  second  is,  that  we  are  so  framed  and 
constituted  that  the  most  vicious  can  but  pay  a 
secret,  though  unwilling,  homage  to  virtue,  inas- 
much as  tfJe  worst  men  cannot  bring  themselves  to 
thoroughly  esteem  a  bad  man,  although  he  may  be 
their  dearest  friend  ;  nor  can  they  thoroughly  de- 
spise a  good  man,  although  he  may  be  their  bitter- 
est enemy. 

I  WOULD  have  eveiy  one  consider  that  he  is  in 
this  life  only  a  passenger  ;  and  that  he  is  not  to 


56  MISCELLAXEOUS. 

set  up  his  rest  here,  but  to  keep  an  attentive  eye 
on  that  state  of  being  to  which  he  approaches  every 
moment,  and  Avhich  will  be  forever  fixed  and  per- 
manent. This  single  consideration  should  be  suffi- 
cient to  extinguish  the  bitterness  of  hatred,  the 
thirst  of  avarice,  and  the  cruelty  of  ambition.  — 
Addison. 

n^'HOSE  who  make  religion,  says  Mr.  Addison, 
to  consist  in  the  contempt  of  this  world  and  its 
enjoyments,  are  under  a  very  fatal  and  dangerous 
mistake.  As  life  is  the  gift  of  heaven,  it  is  religion 
to  enjoy  it.  He,  therefore,  who  can  be  happy  in 
himself,  and  who  contributes  all  that  is  in  his 
power  towards  the  happiness  of  others,  (and  none 
but  the  virtuous  can  be  and  do  so,)  answers  most 
effectually  the  ends  of  his  creation,  is  an  honor  to 
his  nature,  and  a  pattern  to  mankind. 

TESTI3IONY    OF  A   DEIST    TO   THE    BIBLE. 

WE  always  recur,  says  the  Rev.  Mr.  Melvill, 
with  great  delight  to  the  testimony  of  a  Deist, 
who,  after  publicly  laboring  to  disprove  Christian- 
ity and  to  bring  Scripture  in  contempt  as  a  forgery, 
was  found  instructing  his  child  from  the  pages  of 
the  New  Testament.  When  taxed  with  the  fla- 
grant inconsistency,  his  only  reply  was,  that  it  was 
necessary  to  teach  the  child  morality,  afid  that  no- 
where was  there  to  be  found  such  morality  as  in 
the  Bible.  We  thank  the  Deist  for  the  confession. 
Whatever  our  scorn  of  a  man  who  could  be  guilty  of 
so  foul  a  dishonesty,  seeking  to  sweep  from  the  earth 
a  volume  to  which,  all  the  while,  himself  recurred 
for  the  principles  of  education,  we  thank  him  for 
his  testimony  that  the  morality  of  Scripture  is  a 


MISCELLANEOUS.  57 

morality  not  elsewhere  to  be  found  ;  so  that,  if 
there  were  no  Bible,  there  would  be  comparatively 
no  source  of  instruction  in  duties  and  virtues, 
whose  neglect  and  decline  would  dislocate  the 
happiness  of  human  society.  The  Deist  was  right. 
Deny  or  disprove  the  divine  origin  of  Scripture, 
and  nevertheless  you  must  keep  the  volume  as  a 
kind  of  text  book  of  morality,  if  indeed  you  would 
not  wish  the  banishment  from  our  homes  of  all 
that  is  lovely  and  sacred,  and  the  breaking  up, 
through  the  lawlessness  of  ungoverned  passions, 
of  the  quiet  and  the  beauty  which  are  yet  around 
our  families. 

NEGLECT    or    THE    GOSPEL. 

BE  ye  well  assured  that,  if  ye  could  inten-ogate 
the  spirits  in  wretchedness,  negligence  would  be 
that  which  they  would  chiefly  give  as  the  cause  of 
their  ruin.  There  would  be  comparatively  few 
who  would  tell  you  they  had  rejected  Christianity ; 
few  that  they  had  embraced  Deistical  views  ;  few 
that  they  had  invented  for  themselves  another 
mode  of  acceptance  ;  but  the  many  —  the  many  — 
their  tale  would  be  that  they  designed,  but  delayed, 
to  hearken  to  the  gospel ;  that  they  gave  it  tlieir 
assent,  but  not  their  attention  ;  that,  —  are  ye  not 
staggered  by  the  likeness  to  yourselves  ?  — though 
they  knew,  they  did  not  consider  ;  apprised  of  dan- 
ger, they  took  no  pains  to  avert  it ;  having  the  offer 
of  life,  they  made  no  effort  to  secure  it;  and  there- 
fore perished,  finally,  miserably,  everlastingly, 
through  neglect  of  the  great  salvation.  God  grant 
that  none  of  us,  by  imitating  their  neglect,  share 
their  misery.  —  Melvill. 


58  MISCELLANEOUS. 


THE    HOLY    SPIRIT. 


THE  Holy  Spirit  alone  can  make  us  feel  the 
things  which  are  easy  to  be  understood,  and 
prcA'cnt  our  wrestino-  tliose  which  are  hard.  Never, 
then,  should  the  Bible  be  opened  except  with  prayer 
for  the  teachings  of  this  Spirit.  You  will  read 
without  profit  as  long  as  you  read  without  prayer. 
It  is  only  in  the  degree  that  the  Spirit  which  indit- 
ed a  text  takes  it  from  the  page  and  breathes  it 
into  the  heart  that  we  can  comprehend  its  mean- 
ing, be  touched  by  its  beauty,  stirred  by  its  remon- 
strance, or  animated  by  its  promise.  We  shall 
never,  then,  master  scriptural  difficulties  by  the 
methods  which  prove  successful  in  grappling  with 
philosophical.  Why  is  it  that  the  poor  peasant, 
whose  understanding  is  weak  and  undisciplined, 
has  clear  insight  into  the  meaning  of  verses,  and 
finds  in  them  irresistible  power  and  inexhaustible 
comfort,  whilst  the  very  same  passages  are  given 
up  as  mysteries,  or  overlooked  as  unimportant,  by 
the  high  and  lettered  champion  of  a  scholastic  the- 
ology 1  It  were  idle  to  deny  that  our  rustic  divines 
will  oftentimes  travel  with  a  far  firmer  and  more 
dominant  step  than  our  collegiate  into  the  depths 
of  a  scriptural  statement ;  and  that  you  might  ob- 
tain from  some  of  the  patriarchs  of  our  valleys, 
whose  chief  instruction  has  been  their  own  com- 
muning with  the  Almighty,  such  explanations  of 
"  things  hard  to  be  understood  "  as  would  put  to 
shame  the  commentaries  of  our  most  learned  ex- 
positors. And  of  this  phenomenon  the  solution 
would  be  hopeless,  if  there  were  not  a  broad  insti- 
tuted diiference  between  human  and  sacred  litera- 
ture ;  "  the  kingdom  of  heaven  "  being  •'  like  unto 
treasure  hid  in  a  field,"  and  the  finding  of  this  treas- 


MISCELLANEOUS.  59 

ure  depending  not  at  all  on  the  power  of  the  intel- 
lect brought  to  the  search,  but  on  the  heartiness 
and  the  earnestness  Avith  which  the  Psalmist's  prayer 
is  used,  "  Open  thou  mine  eyes,  that  I  may  behold 
wondrous  things  out  of  thy  law."  If  you  open  a 
scientific  book,  or  study  an  abstruse  and  metapliysi- 
cal  work,  let  Reason  gird  herself  boldly  for  the  task  ; 
the  province  belongs  fairly  to  her  jurisdiction,  and 
she  may  cling  to  her  own  energies  without  laying 
herself  open  to  the  charge  that,  according  to  the 
characteristic  which  Joel  gives  of  the  last  times, 
the  weak  is  vaunting  itself  the  strong.  But  if  you 
open  the  Bible  and  sit  down  to  the  investigation 
of  scriptural  truth,  you  are  in  a  district  which  lies 
far  beyond  the  just  limits  of  the  empire  of  reason  ; 
there  is  need  of  an  apparatus  wholly  distinct  from 
that  which  sufficed  for  your  former  inquiry;  and  if 
you  think  to  comprehend  revelation,  except  so  far 
as  the  Author  shall  act  as  interpreter,  you  are, 
most  emphatically,  the  weak  pronouncing  your- 
selves the  strong,  and  the  Bible  shall  be  to  you  a 
closed  book,  and  you  shall  break  not  the  seals 
which  God  himself  hath  placed  on  the  volume. 
O,  they  are  seals  which  melt  away  like  a  snow 
wreath  before  the  breathings  of  the  Spirit ;  but  not 
all  the  fire  of  human  genius  shall  ever  prevail  to 
dissolve  or  loosen  them.  — Melvill. 

EXTRACT    FROM  A  LETTER    TO    ONE   ON  THE    LOSS 
OF   A   FRIEND. 

MOTIVES  for  resignation  to  the  will  of  God 
abound  in  his  word  ;  but  it  is  an  additional 
mercy  that  he  has  promised  to  apply  and  enforce 
them  in  time  of  need.  He  has  said,  '  My  grace 
shall  be  sufficient  for  thee ; '  and  '  as  thy  day  is,  so 


60  MISCELLANEOUS. 

shall  thy  strength  be.'  This  I  trust  you  have  al- 
ready experienced.  God  is  so  rich  and  good  that 
he  can  by  a  glance  ol  thought  compensate  his 
children  for  whatever  his  wisdom  sees  fit  to  de- 
prive them  of.  If  he  gives  them  a  lively  sense  of 
what  he  has  delivered  them  from  and  prepared  for 
them,  or  of  what  he  himself  submitted  to  endure 
for  their  sakes,  they  find  at  once  light  springing  up 
out  of  darkness,  hard  things  become  easy,  and 
bitter  sweet.  .  .  .  All  the  comfort  you  ever 
received  in  your  dear  friend  was  from  God,  who  is 
abundantly  able  to  comfort  you  still ;  and  he  is 
gone  but  a  little  before  you.  May  your  faith  an- 
ticipate the  joyful  and  glorious  meeting  you  will 
shortly  have  in  a  better  world.  Then  your  worship 
and  converse  together  will  be  to  your  unspeakable 
advantage,  without  imperfection,  abatement,  or  end. 
Then  all  tears  shall  be  wiped  away  and  every 
cloud  removed ;  and  then  you  will  see  that  all  your 
concernments  here  below  were  appointed,  and  ad- 
justed by  infinite  wisdom  and  love. 

'•  The  Lord,  who  knows  our  frame,  does  not  ex- 
pect or  require  that  we  should  aim  at  a  stoical  in- 
difference under  his  visitations.  He  allows  that 
afflictions  are  at  present  not  joyous,  but  grievous  ; 
yea,  he  was  pleased,  when  upon  earth,  to  weep  with 
his  mourning  friends  Avhen  Lazarus  died.  But  he 
has  graciously  provided  for  the  prevention  of  that 
anguish  and  bitterness  of  sorrow  which  is,  upon 
such  occasions,  the  portion  of  such  as  live  with- 
out God  in  the  world  ;  and  has  engaged  that  nil 
shall  loorlc  toe/ether  for  good,  and  yield  the  peaceable 
fruits  of  righteousness.  May  he  bless  you  with  a 
sweet  serenity  of  spirit,  and  a  cheerful  hope  of  the 
glory  that  shall  shortly  be  revealed." 


MISCELLANEOUS.  61 

CHRIST  is  the  Prince  of  Peace.  He  came  to 
mediate  between  heaven  and  earth  ;  and  we  are 
reconciled  to  God  by  liis  death.  He  died  for  all, 
and  he  was  more  than  all.  Tlie  value  of  his  sacrifice 
was  infinite^  and  every  end  that  could  have  been  an- 
swered by  the  destruction  of  a  ivorld  of  sinners  has 
been  equally  and  better  answered  by  the  death  of  the 
Savior. 

T  EAN  not  on  earth,  'twill   pierce   thee   to   the 

heart ; 
A  broken  reed  at  best,  but  oft  a  spear; 
On  its  sharp  point  peace  bleeds  and  hope  expires. 

pEMEMBER  always  the  presence  of  God.  Re- 
■JLt'  joice  always  in  his  will,  and  direct  all  to  his 
glory. 

SELF-KNOWLEDGE. 

TRUE  self-knowledge  always  produces  humility. 
Pride  is  ever  the  offspring  of  self-ignorance. 
The  reason  men  are  vain  and  self-sufficient  is,  be- 
cause they  do  not  know  their  own  failings  ;  and 
the  reason  they  are  not  better  acquainted  with 
them  is,  because  they  hate  self-inspection.  Let  a 
man  but  turn  his  eyes  within,  scrutinize  himself  and 
study  his  own  heart.,  and  he  will  soon  see  enough 
to  make  him  humble.  "  Behold,  I  am  vile,"  is  the 
language  only  of  self-knowledge. 

THE  Christian  graces  are  like  perfumes :  the 
more  they  are  pressed,  the  sweeter  they  smell ; 
like  stars,  that  shine  brightest  in  the  dark ;  like 
trees,  which  the  more  they  are  shaken  the  deeper 


62  MISCELLANEOUS. 

root  they  take,  and  the  more  fruit  they  bear.— - 
Burton. 

IMMORTALITY. 

'rriS  the  Divinity  that  stirs  within  us :  'tis  heaven 
J-   itself  that  points  out  an  hereafter,  and  intimates 
eternity  to  man.  —  Addison. 

THEY  who  are  most  iveary  of  life,  and  yet  are 
most  unwilling  to  die,  are  those  who  have  lived 
to  no  purpose ;  who  have  rather  breathed  than 
lived.  —  Clarendon. 

A  GOOD  man's  prayers 

Will  from  the   deepest   dungeon .  climb   heaven's 

height, 
And  bring  a  blessing  down.  — Baillie. 

TRUST    IN    GOD. 

LOOK  at  that  beautiful  butterfly,  and  learn  from 
it  to  trust  in  God.  One  might  wonder  where  it 
could  live  in  tempestuous  nights,  in  the  whirlwind, 
or  in  the  stormy  day ;  but  I  have  noticed  it  is 
safe  and  dry  under  the  broad  leaf,  while  rivers  have 
been  flooded  and  the  mountain  oaks  torn  up  from 
their  roots.  —  Taylor. 

11HE  SOUL,  considered  with  its  Creator,  is  like 
-  one  of  those  mathematical  lines  that  may  draw 
near  to  another  for  all  eternity  without  a  possibility 
of  touching  it;  and  can  there  be  a  thought  so 
transporting  as  to  consider  ourselves  in  these  per- 
petual approaches  to  Him  who  is  not  only  the 
standai'd  of  perfection,  but  of  happiness  ?  — Addison- 


MISCELLANEOUS.  63 


HEAVEN. 


rpHRICE  happy  world,  where  gilded  toys 

No  more  disturb  our  thoughts,  no  more  pollute 

our  joys : 

There  light  and  shade  succeed  no  more  by  turns ; 

There  reigns  th'  eternal  Sun  with  an  unclouded  ray ; 

There  all  is  calm  as  night,  yet  all  immortal  day ; 

And  truth  forever  shines,  and  love  forever  burns. 

Watts. 

A  GOOD  CONSCIENCE  is  to  the  soul  what  health 
is  to  the  body ;  it  preserves  constant  ease  and 
serenity  within  us,  and  more  than  countervails  all 
the  calamities  and  afflictions  which  can  befall  us 
without.  —  Addison. 

THE  CHARACTER  is  like  white  paper ;  if  once 
blotted,  it  can  hardly  ever  be  made  to  appear  as 
white  as  before.  One  wrong  step  often  stains  the 
character  for  life.  It  is  much  easier  to  form  a 
good  character  at  first  than  it  is  to  do  it  after  we 
have  acquired  a  bad  one  ;  to  preserve  the  character 
pure,  than  to  purify  it  after  it  has  become  defiled. 

REV.   DAVID    CLARKSON. 

AS  many  very  beautiful  extracts  from  the  writ- 
ings of  this  good  man  have  been  inserted  in 
the  "  Companion,"  it  is  deemed  proper  to  give  a 
brief  account  of  his  life  and  character. 

Mr.  Clarkson  was  the  son  of  Mr.  Robert  Clark- 
son,  of  Bradford,  in  Yorkshire,  (England,)  and  was 
born  February,  1622.     He  was  for  some  time  a 


64  MISCELLANEOUS. 

FELLOW  of  Clare  Hall,  Cambridge.  At  this  time 
Archbishop  Tillotson  was  his  pupil.  This  gentle- 
man bore  a  singular  respect  for  Mr.  C.  as  long  as 
he  lived ;  and  upon  the  resignation  of  his  fellowship, 
succeeded  him  in  that  office.  Upon  the  death  of 
Mr.  C,  in  1687,  Dr.  Bates  preached  his  funeral 
sermon,  from  which  the  following  account  is  taken : 
"  He  was  a  man  of  sincere  godliness  and  true  holi- 
ness, which  is  the  divine  part  of  a  minister.  He 
was  a  conscientious  impi-over  of  his  time  for  ac- 
quiring useful  knowledge,  that  he  might  be  thor- 
oughly furnished  for  the  work  of  his  divine  calling. 
Humility  and  modesty  were  the  distinctive  charac- 
ters wherein  he  excelled.  He  was  well  satisfied  to 
serve  the  church,  to  illustrate  the  truth,  and  to 
remain  in  his  beloved  secrecy.  In  his  conversation 
a  comely  gravity,  mixed  with  an  innocent  pleasant- 
ness, were  attractive  of  respect  and  love.  He  was 
of  a  calm  temper,  a  temper  not  ruffled  by  passion, 
but  gentle,  kind,  and  good ;  his  breast  was  the 
temple  of  peace.  In  the  discharge  of  his  sacred 
work  his  intellectual  abilities  and  holy  affections 
were  very  evident.  Great  was  his  solemnity  and 
reverence  in  prayer,  and  his  preaching  was  very  in- 
structive and  persuasive.  His  death  was  unex- 
pected, yet,  as  he  declared,  no  surprise  to  him ;  for 
he  was  entirely  resigned  to  the  will  of  God,  and  he 
desired  to  live  no  longer  than  to  be  serviceable. 
With  holy  Simeon,  he  had  Christ  in  his  arms  ;  and 
departed  in  peace  to  see  the  salvation  of  God 
above." 

Note.  —  The  late  General  Matthew  Clarkson,  of  New 
York,  formerly  president  of  the  American  Bible  Society,  was 
a  descendant  of  this  gentleman.  —  Editor. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  65 

\  SAINT  loves  whatever  resembles  Christ,  what- 
-^  ever  belong^s  to  him  —  his  people,  his  image,  his 
ordinances ;  and  the  Lord  loves  whatever  belongs 
to  a  saint.  As  a  saint,  his  love  extends  itself  to  his 
friends,  his  goods,  his  posterity  ;  he  shows  mercy 
unto  thousands  of  them  who  love  him. 

"  T  AM  in  a  strait  betwixt  two,  having  a  desire  to 
J-  depart  and  to  be  with  Christ,  which  is  far 
better."  How  few  are  arrived  to  such  a  pitch  of 
spirituality !  This  desire  is  the  fruit  of  faith  with 
respect  to  the  reality  and  glory  of  the  eternal  state 
and  our  interest  in  it.  According  as  the  revelation 
of  the  invisible  kingdom  is  to  our  minds,  such  is  its 
attractive  power  on  our  hearts.  To  vanquish  the 
terrors  of  death,  and  with  a  clear  and  cheerful 
spirit  to  leave  the  body  in  the  grave,  that  we  may 
be  ever  freed  from  sin  and  made  like  to  Christ  in 
purity  and  glory,  is  the  effect  of  love  stronger  than 
death, 

0¥  temporal  things  which  are  truly  good,  perhaps 
the  principal  ones  we  would  wish  to  enjoy  are 
a  sound  mind  and  healthful  body.  Health  and 
peace,  a  moderate  fortune,  and  a  few  friends,  sum 
up  all  the  undoubted  articles  of  temporal  felicity. 
High  happiness  on  earth  is  rather  a  picture  which 
the  imagination  forms  than  a  reality  which  a  man 
is  allowed  to  possess. 

PRATER. 

PRAYER  is  the  principal  ordinance  appointed 
by  God  for  maintaining  spiritual  life  in  vigor 
and  for  bringing  it  to  maturity.     There  is  nothing^ 
perhaps^  by  which  we  form  so  true  an  estimate  of  our 
5 


66  MISCELLANEOUS. 

spiritual  condition  at  any  time  as  by  the  enjoyment  of 
oar  souls  in  this  holy  exercise. 

I  speak  not  here  of  sensible  enjoyment,  lively 
feelings  of  devotion,  when  our  hearts  burn  within 
us,  and  our  tongues  catch  the  holy  flame,  and  the 
whole  soul  is  poured  forth  unto  God  in  andent  ex- 
pressions and  aspirations  of  prayer  and  praise. 
These  are  indeed  very  precious  emotions ;  they 
are  rich  in  blessings  to  the  soul,  but  they  are 
usually  brief;  merely  occasional  refreshings  by  the 
way,  to  support  us  under  the  general  ruggedness 
of  it.  We  are  ready  to  say  at  such  times,  "  It  is 
good  for  us  to  be  here."  But  it  is  not  so,  or  we 
should  certainly  be  favored  with  more  of  such  sea- 
sons. In  truth,  if  such  communion  with  God  were 
ordinary  with  the  soul,  it  would  be  more  like  that 
sensible  communion  which  is  reserved  for  a  future 
state :  but  "  the  just  shall  live  by  faith ;  "  and  this  is 
true  of  every  particular  respecting  it.  His  prayer 
must  be  a  prayer  of  faith.,  not  of  sense;  and  by  the 
exercise  of  such  faith,  such  conviction  and  belief 
that  God  will  do  as  he  promises,  we  bring  honor 
to  him.  It  is  assuredly  the  evidence  of  spiritual 
health  and  strength.,  and  of  no  small  measure  of  divine 
grace,  in  those  in  whom  it  is  found. 

We  are  such  creatures  oi  sense,  that  the  best  of 
us,  the  most  spiritual  among  us,  are  not  fully 
awake  to  spiritual  things.  We  are  continually 
prone  to  live  more  on  our  feelings  in  religion  than 
on  the  simple  word  of  truth ;  and  when  God  shuts 
us  up  to  this,  so  that  we  have  nothing  but  his  word 
of  truth  to  animate  our  hopes  and  to  support  our 
courage,  then  our  hearts  fail  us :  we  are  ready  to 
give  up  prayer  ;  and  if  we  give  it  not  entirely  up, 
it  is  turned  into  lamentation  and  despondency.  la 
fact,  we  expect  nothing  from  it. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  67 

But  our  Lord  well  knew  the  difficulties  and  dis- 
couragements which  cause  us  to  grow  weary  and  to 
faint  in  prayer ;  and  therefore  it  was  that,  in  the 
parable  of  "the  widow  and  of  the  unjust  judge,"  he 
would  encourage  his  people  in  faithful  persever- 
ance in  it. 

Christians,  then,  should  pasevere  in  this  holy 
exercise,  and  imiformly  endeavor  to  maintain  a  lively 
and  steadfast  faith  in  the  ivord  and  promises  of  God. 
They  should  recollect  that  they  belong  to  him  in  a 
relation  inconceivably  near  and  dear,  even  as  they 
are  one  in  Christ  —  a  relation  surpassing  in  inter- 
est all  that  is  known  upon  earth,  and  that  whoso- 
ever touches  them,  "  touches  the  apple  of  his  eye." 
They  should  bear  in  mind  that  Christ  has  merited 
for  them  a  free  bestowal  of  all  spiritual  blessings, 
also  that  they  are  at  liberty  to  plead  the  word 
AND  promises,  vca,  the  oath  of  God,  as  the  war- 
rant for  expecting  the  blessings  which  they  ask. 

JFurther :  for  their  encouragement  Christians 
should  consider  that  there  is  provided  for  them 
the  blood  of  sprinkling,  that  their  consciences  may 
be  cleansed  from  guilt,  and  that  they  may  have 
courage  to  speak  to  God  as  a  Father  and  a  Friend, 
as  one  who  has  no  charge  of  condemnation  to  lay 
against  any  that  sincerely  and  practically  believe 
in  his  Son.  Also  that  he  is  their  Advocate,  and 
daily  intercedes  for  them  ;  and  that  the  Spirit  of 
God  is  ever  ready  to  assist  their  infirmities,  and  to 
empower  them  to  offer  their  petitions  with  accept- 
ance. 

T)RAYER,  ardent,  opens  heaven,  and  lets  down  a 

stream 
Of  glory  on  the  consecrated  hour 
Of  man  in  audience  with  the  Deity. 


68  MISCELLANEOUS. 

OPE-N  thy  mouth,"  saith  God,  "and  I  will  fill 
it."  You  shall  not  only  receive,  but  you  shall 
be  filled.  He  will  supply  all  our  need  from  the 
riches  of  his  glory.  He  will  bless  us  with  all  spir- 
itual blessings  in  heavenly  places  in  Christ. 

Where  is  the  Christian  who  lives  up  to  his  duty 
or  his  privilege  ?  For  God  not  only  answers  prayer 
really,  but  proportionabhj.  He  says,  "Be  it  unto 
thee  as  thou  wilt." 

Let  not  him,  therefore,  who  prays  rarely  and 
coldly,  think  to  succeed  like  the  frequent  and  ftrvent 
petitioner.  "  Pray,  then,  without  ceasing."  "  Covet 
earnestlv  the  best  gifts."  The  "  hungry  and  thirsty 
shall  be"' filled." 

AS  Moses,  by  conversing  with  God,  was  changed 
into  the  same  image  from  the  glory  of  Him 
with  whom  he  conversed,  there  passed  some  glory 
upon  him,  which  shone  in  his  face,  so  that  the 
Israelites  could  not  steadfastly  behold  him,  even  so 
by  knowing  Christ,  and  beholding  the  glory  of  God 
sliining  in  his  face,  the  soul  is,  as  it  were,  changed 
into  the  same  image  from  glory  to  glory  ;  that  is, 
from  Christ's  glory  there  passes  a  glory  upon  the 
soul  as  there  did  upon  the  face  of  Moses  ;  and  this 
is  done  by  the  Spirit  of  God,  the  Spirit  of  holiness 
working  in  the  soul  those  gracious  qualities  which 
are  the  beginnings  of  glory  here  and  a  resemblance 
to  the  image  of  Christ,  who  is  the  Lord  of  glory  ; 
thus  assimilating  the  soul  to  him  in  part  here,  and 
perfectly  hereafter.  Thus  the  seeing  of  Christ  will 
make  those  who  see  him  like  unto  him 


MISCELLATTEOUS.  69 

THE    MORAL    LAAV. 

THE  excellence  and  perfection  of  the  moral  law- 
will  be  evident  from  a  brief  survey  of  what  may 
be  considered  as  an  epitome  of  it,  the  Law  of  the 
Ten  Commandments.  From  their  extent  and  spir- 
ituality it  will  appear  indisputable  that  its  precepts 
are  designed  to  secure  to  God  all  the  honor  due 
unto  his  name,  to  sanctify  all  the  powers  of  man, 
to  regulate  his  deportment  in  every  condition  in 
which  he  can  possibly  be  placed,  and  to  point  out 
the  most  exalted  degree  of  holiness.  For,  though 
we  are  apt  to  injuriously  limit  their  sense,  and  "to 
conclude  with  an  air  of  confidence  that  they  mean 
to  forbid  only  the  gross  outward  crimes  which  the 
first  sound  of  the  word  suggests,  yet  from  the  more 
extensive  interpretation  given  to  some  of  them  in 
Scripture  (see  Matt.  v.  27  ;  1  John  iii.  15;  Matt, 
xxii.  36)  we  may  justly  conclude  that  each  of  them 
is  spiritual  in  its  injunctions,  and  reaches  the  inmost 
affections  of  the  soul. 

Thus  the  first  commandment  requires  that  the 
blessed  God  should  reign  unrivalled  in  our  hearts ; 
that  bodily  pleasure,  honor,  riches,  and  every  com- 
fort of  a  worldly  kind,  should,  in  comparison  with 
God,  be  vile  and  contemptible  in  our  eyes.  The 
second  obliges  us  to  be  religiously  careful  that  we 
conceive  of  God  as  he  has  revealed  himself  to  us, 
neither  adding  to,  nor  diminishing  from  his  char- 
acter as  drawn  in  his  word ;  that,  in  our  public  and 
secret  worship,  we  come  before  him  only  in  the 
way  which  he  has  appointed,  offering  to  him  spirit- 
ual praise  and  prayer,  and  abhorring  the  verv  ap- 
pearance of  idolatry.  The  third  commandment 
requires  us  to  be  mindful  at  all  times  of  the  majes- 
ty of  God,  so  as  to  conscientiously  avoid  in  our 


70  MISCELLANEOUS. 

thoughts  and  speech  whatever  savors  of  contempt, 
in-everence,  or  forgctfulncss  of  him.  The  fourth 
enjoins  us,  upon  constant  solemn  seasons,  return- 
ing in  quick  succession,  to  lay  aside  every  worldly 
occupation ;  to  be,  as  it  were,  insensible  to  the 
things  of  sense  and  time,  in  order  that  the  worth 
of  the  soul  and  subjects  of  a  spiritual  nature  may 
occupy  our  thoughts  and  more  strongly  affect  our 
minds.  The  fifth  obliges  us,  a.s  soon  as  we  are 
capable  of  knowing  our  duty,  to  pay  a  sincere  and 
cheerful  obedience  to  our  parents ;  such  as  may 
testify  the  sense  we  have  of  the  benefits  that,  under 
God,  we  owe  to  them.  It  enjoins  also  a  proper 
and  respectful  behavior  to  superiors  of  every  kind, 
to  the  king,  to  magistrates,  to  ministers,  and  mas- 
ters. The  sixth  not  only  restrains  our  hands  from 
murderous  violence,  but  condemns  every  degree  of 
hatred  or  malice  in  the  heart.  The  seventh  com- 
mandment requires  more  than  a  renunciation  of 
open  lewdness,  even  purity  of  desire  ;  it  arraigns  and 
condemns  as  a  trespass  the  very  looking  upon  the 
face  of  beauty  Avith  lusting;  it  condemns  even  such 
spiritual  defilement  as  only  the  eye  of  God  can  detect. 
The  eighth  is  a  barrier  against  every  injurious  en- 
croachment which  our  self-love  and"  worldly  spirit 
would  lead  us  to  make  upon  our  neighbor's  rights  ; 
it  forbids  every  species  of  injustice  and  fraud,  how- 
ever prevalent,  however  palliated  by  plausible  pre- 
ten.ces.  The  ninth  exacts  from  us  an  inviolable 
regard  to  truth  in  every  declaration  by  which  the 
character  of  our  fellow-creatures  may  be  affected ; 
and  enjoins  us  to  subdue  that  world  of  iniquity, 
the  tongue,  which  is  so  impatient  of  yielding  to  the 
law  of  brotherly  kindness  and  charity.  The  last 
commandment  condemns  eveiy  covetous  desire  and 
every  degree  of  discontent  at  our  appointed  situa- 
tion. 


MISCEIiLANEOUS.  71 

From  this  brief  account  of  the  sense  of  the  Ten 
Commandments,  it  is  evident  that  there  is  not  a 
moral  precept  enjoined  in  any  part  of  the  Bible 
which  was  not  virtually  contained  in  the  law  of  the 
two  tables  delivered  on  Mount  Sinai.  Our  Lord 
justifies  this  conclusion  by  explaining  in  this  man- 
ner the  comprehensive  import  of  the  command- 
ments. Those  of  the  first  table  he  considers  as 
requiring  us  to  love  the  Lord  our  God  with  all  our 
heart,  and  with  all  our  soul,  and  with  all  our  mind, 
and  with  all  our  strength.  "  With  all  our  heart  and 
with  all  our  soul ; "  that  is,  with  a  love  so  fervent  as 
to  desire  nothing  in  comparison  with  his  favor  and 
the  promotion  of  his  glory ;  to  regard  him  as  the  joy 
of  our  prosperity,  the  light  of  our  life,  and  our  por- 
tion forever.  "  With  all  our  strength  ; "  that  is,  so  to 
promote  the  fear  and  love  of  his  name  by  all  our 
services  and  labors.  "  With  all  our  mind ;  "  that  is, 
by  all  the  means  which  our  reason  and  understand- 
ing can  furnish  or  discover.  Thus  are  all  our 
powers  and  faculties  to  be  engaged  in  discharging 
our  duty  towai-ds  God  according  to  the  demands 
of  this  spiritual  law. 

The  laws  of  the  second  table,  also,  our  Lord 
interprets  to  imply  an  obligation  "  to  love  our  neigh- 
bor as  ourselves  ;  "  that  is,  to  pity  his  mistakes,  to 
compassionate  his  infirmities,  to  conceal  his  faults, 
to  exercise  every  office  of  kindness  towards  him  in 
the  same  manner  as  we  should  rejoice  to  have  it 
exercised  towards  ourselves. 

From  this  view  of  the  extent  of  the  law,  it  ap- 
pears to  be  altogether  worthy  of  its  holy  Author, 
the  God  of  heaven  and  earth,  who  is  at  once  jealous 
of  the  honor  of  his  name  amongst  men,  and  full  of 
tender  reo;ard  for  their  welfare. 


72  MISCELLANEOUS. 

RICHARD    CECIL. 

AS  this  good  man  drew  near  to  death,  Jesus 
Christ  was  his  only  topic.  His  apprehensions 
of  the  work  and  glory  of  Christ,  and  of  the  un- 
speakable importance  of  a  spiritual  union  with 
him,  grew,  if  possible,  more  distinct.  He  spoke  of 
his  Savior  with  the  feeling  and  seriousness  of  a 
dying  believer. 

'•  I  know  myself  to  be  a  wretched  and  worthless 
sinner,  having  nothing  in  myself  but  poverty  and 
sin.  I  know  Jesus  Christ  to  be  a  glorious  and 
almighty  Savior.  I  see  the  full  efficacy  of  his 
atonement  and  grace  ;  and  I  cast  myself  entirely 
on  him,  and  wait  at  his  footstool.  I  am  aware  that 
my  diseased  and  broken  mind  makes  me  incapable 
of  receiving  consolation ;  but  I  submit  myself 
wholly  to  tlie  wise  and  merciful  dispensations  of 
God.'' 

He  often  repeated,  with  the  martyr  Lambert, 
"  None  but  Christ,  none  but  Christ ;  "  and  just  be- 
fore his  death  he  caused  these  words  to  be  written 
down  in  a  book,  and  to  them  he  subscribed  his 
name. 

In  his  last  hours  he  dictated  a  letter  to  his  son, 
in  which  were  the  following  lines :  "  I  am  only 
able  now  in  a  dying  state  to  send  my  blessing  and 
prayers  for  your  welfare.  I  wish  to  say  that  Christ 
is  your  all,  in  time  and  eternity.  I  have  been  in  a 
most  aifecting  state  by  a  paralytic  stroke ;  but 
Christ  is  all  that  can  profit  you  or  me  ;  a  whole 
volume  could  not  contain  more,  or  so  much.  O, 
pray  day  and  iiiglit  for  an  interest  in  him.  And 
this  is  all  I  can  say — it  being  more  than  having 
the  Indies." 


MISCELLANEOUS.  73 


MISFORTUNES. 

THE  humor  of  turning  every  misfortune  into  si 
judgment  proceeds  from  wrong-  notions  of  reli- 
gion, which,  in  its  own  nature,  produces  good  will 
towards  men,  and  puts  the  mildest  construction 
upon  every  accident  that  befalls  them.  In  tl\is 
case,  therefore,  it  is  not  religion  that  sours  a  man's 
temper,  but  it  is  his  temper  that  sours  his  religion. 
People  of  gloomy,  uncheerful  imaginations,  or  of 
envious,  malignant  tempers,  whatever  kind  of  life 
they  are  engaged  in,  will  discover  their  natural 
tincture  of  mind  in  all  their  thoughts,  words,  and 
actions.  As  the  finest  wines  have  often  the  taste 
of  the  soil,  so  even  the  most  religious  thoughts 
often  draw  something  that  is  particular  from  the 
constitution  of  the  mind  in  which  they  arise.  When 
folly  or  superstition  strikes  in  with  this  natural 
depravity  of  temper,  it  is  not  in  the  power  even  of 
religion  itself  to  preserve  the  character  of  the  per- 
son who  is  possessed  with  it  from  appearing  highly 
absm-d  and  ridiculous.  — Addison. 

■j\/j"ISFORTUNE  does  not  always  wait  on  vice ; 
Nor  is  success  the  constant  guest  of  virtue. 

I|1RTENDSHIP  improves  happiness  and  abates 
misery,  by  doubling  our  joy  and   dividing  our 
grief  —  Addison. 

ENMITY. 

OCORN  no  man's  love,  though  of  a  mean  degree; 
Much  less  make  any  one  thine  enemy. 


74 


MISCELLANEOUS. 


AFFLICTION. 

AS  threshino;  separates  the  wheat  from  the  chaff, 
so  does  affliction  purify  virtue.  —  Burton. 

rpHE  truly  generous  iy  truly  wise, 

And  he  who  loves  not  others  lives  unblessed. 

Home. 

THE  injuries  of  life,  if  rightly  improved,  will  be 
to  us  as  the  strokes  of  the  statuary  on  his  mar- 
ble—  forming  us  to  a  more  beautiful  shape,  and 
making  us  fitter  to  adorn  the  heavenly  temple. — 

Mather. 


WORLD. 


All  its  ends, 


Arrangements,  changes,  disappointments,  hopes, 
And  fears  are  without  meaning,  if  not  seen 
And  estimated  by  eternity.  —  Edwards. 

WHATEVER  you  would   have  your   children 
become,  strive  to  exhibit  in  your  own  lives 
and  conversation.  —  Sigourney's  Letters, to  Mothers. 


DESIGN    OF   THE    LAW. 

THE  law  is  intended  to  act  as  a  schoolmaster, 
"  to  bring  us  to  ChristP  No  sooner  can  we  per- 
ceive ourselves  actually  cut  off  from  every  hope  of 
mercy  which  we  were  wont  to  entertain  on  account 
of  our  own  performances  and  worth  than  we  shall 
find  ourselves  prepared,  and,  as  it  were,  compelled, 
to  put  our  whole  trust  in  the  grace  of  God,  mani- 
fested in  Christ  in  that  scheme  of  marvellous  love 


MISCELLANEOUS,  75 

to  man  which  is  called  •'  the  righteousness  of  God 
without  the  law,"  which  is  by  faith  of  Jesus  Christ 
unto  all,  and  upon  all  them  that  believe.  (Rom. 
iii.  21,  22.)  A  true  knowledge  of  the  nature  and 
end  of  the  law  sounds  an  alarm  to  the  conscience 
which  was  before  asleep,  dreaming  of  peace  when 
there  was  no  peace.  Thus  alarmed,  the  ear  is  opened 
to  listen  to  the  word  of  reconciliation  declaimed  by 
Christ,  and  the  heart  is  disposed  to  earnestly  apply 
to  the  Redeemer,  as  to  one  who  alone  is  able  to 
save  from  such  insupportable  misery  as  the  curse 
of  the  law. 

It  is  the  law  also,  which,  continually  showing 
us  by  the  exhibition  of  its  own  purity  our  deficien- 
cy and  corruption,  and  approving  ourselves  to  our 
consciences  as  just  and  good,  stimulates  us  to  ear- 
nest endeavors  to  resist  and  subdue  the  body  of  sin. 
Hence  that  internal  conflict  of  which  the  apostle 
speaks  so  feelingly,  (Rom.  vii.  18,)  "I  know,"  says 
he,  "  that  in  me,  that  is,  in  my  flesh,  dwelleth  no 
good  thing  ;  for  to  will  is  present  with  me,  but 
how  to  perform,"  as  the  law  requires,  "  that  which 
is  good,  I  find  not.  For  I  delight  in  the  law  of 
God  after  the  inward  man :  but  I  see  another  law  in 
my  members  warring  against  the  law  of  my  mind." 
In  other  words,  I  perceive  two  contrary  principles 
within  me,  the  one  derived  from  God,  the  other 
the  produce  of  my  corrupt  nature ;  that  leading 
me  forward  to  heaven  and  approving  the  spiritual 
d-emands  of  the  law,  this  opposing  my  progress 
and  struggling  against  me.  My  mind  is  a  field  of 
battle,  where  all  my  passions  exert  their  several 
efforts  to  gain  a  conquest  over  me.  In  this  case, 
what  must  be  done  ?  St.  Paul  instructs  us  by  his 
own  example.  After  asking  the  question  with 
much   emphasis,  "  0  wretched   man   that   I   am ! 


76  MISCELLANEOUS. 

who  shall  deliver  me  from  the  body  of  this  death  1 " 
he  relieves  himself  from  every  despondent  thought 
by  saying,  "  I  thank  God,"  that  is,  for  his  grace, 
"  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord."  This,  this 
alone,  it  is  which  can  and  will  deliver  me. 

Into  this  pungent  sensibility  of  our  own  sinfulness 
it  is  the  intention  of  God  by  his  law  to  bring  us ; 
so  that  we  may  be  able,  for  otherwise  we  never 
should,  to  behold  the  necessity  and  glory  of  the 
redemption  there  is  in  Jesus.  He  has  mercifully 
ordained  the  law,  and  annexed  the  curse  to  the 
least  breach  of  it,  that  he  might  shut  up  every 
door  of  hope  except  that  by  which  the  fullest  par- 
don and  the  richest  mercy  are  dispensed  to  sinners. 
The  thunders  and  lightaings  on  Mount  Sinai  are 
designed  to  make  us  account  ourselves  unspeak- 
ably happy  in  being  allowed  access  to  Mount 
Zion,  the  joy  of  the  whole  earth,  the  city  of  the 
living  God,  where  the  divine  goodness  shines  forth 
in  the  perfection  of  beauty. 

AS  God's  other  thoughts  are  not  as  ours,  so  his 
thoughts  of  gi'ace  and  mei-cy  for  the  relief  and 
supply  of  his  people,  and  the  ways  wherein  he  is 
willing  to  help  us,  are  far  above  ours,  even  as  the 
heavens  are  high  above  the  earth.  Who  more  will- 
ing to  relieve  a  child  in  want  or  distress  than  an 
affectionate  father  1  Yet  that  willingness  comes 
short  of  His:  "  If  ye,  being  evil,  know  how  to  give 
good  gifts  to  your  children,  how  much  more  shall 
your  heavenly  Father  give  the  Holy  Spirit  to  them 
that  ask  him  "?  "  The  gift  of  the  Spirit  is  the  sum 
of  all  good  things;  it  comprises  spiritual  light, 
life,  strength,  treasures,  comforts.  And  the  Lord 
is  much  more  willing  to  give  all  these  than  any 
father  to  supply  his  child. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  77 

I^HE  face  of  Moses  shone,  when  he  came  down 
from  the  mount,  the  i-eflected  rays  of  the  divine 
Majesty  lingered  on  it ;  the  people  saw  that  he  had 
been  with  God.  And  it  is  ever  thus.  No  man 
leaves  the  presence  of  Christ  without  carrying  with 
him  that  which  will  distinguish  him'  from  other 
men  ;  a  mind  less  preyed  on  by  worldly  cares, 
affections  elevated  above  worldly  vanities,  a  holy 
abhorrence  of  all  that  is  polluting  and  base,  a  soar- 
ing of  the  thoughts  and  desires  to  heaven,  a  hum- 
ble professing  and  sustaining  of  this  character  —  a 
pilgrim  and  a  stranger  on  the  earth,  a  native  of 
heaven  in  a  foreign  land.  The  world  around  him 
will  "  take  knoAvledge  that  he  has  been  with  Jesus ; " 
for  "  the  spirit  of  glory  and  of  God  resteth  upon 
him." 

THE  sincere  Christian  wants  no  bright  Shechinah, 
no  cloud  of  glory,  to  make  manifest  to  him  the 
indwelling  of  God  in  his  heart.  Were  he  not  there, 
he  knows  that  his  heart  would  be  a  stranger  to  the 
love  which  often  warms  it,  the  peace  which  keeps, 
and  the  hope  which  cheers  it.  God  never  enters 
the  heart  alone  ;  blessings  unspeakable  follow  in  his 
train  —  light,  and  purity,  and  joy.  He  does  not  at 
once  turn  it  into  a  heaven  ;  but  he  makes  it  so  much 
like  heaven  that  the  happy  Christian  had  rather 
be  forsaken  of  the  whole  world  than  have  his  God 
depart  from  his  soul. 

"DELIGION'S  all.     Descending  from  the  skies 

To  wretched  man,  the  goddess  in  her  left 
Holds  out  this  world,  and  in  her  right  the  next, 
lleligion,  Providence,  an  after  state,  — 
Here  is  firm  footing  ;  here  js  solid  rock ; 


78  MISCELLANEOUS. 

This  can  support  us  ;  all  is  sea  besides  : 
Sinks  under  us,  bestorms,  and  then  derours. 
His  hand  the  good  man  fastens  on  the  skies, 
And  bids  earth  roll,  nor  feels  her  idle  whirl. 

ON    A    MISTAKE    CONCERNING    THE   NATURE    OF 
FAITH. 

MANY  persons  of  the  best  intentions,  and  ani- 
mated with  earnest  desires  for  the  glory  of 
God  and  the  good  of  souls,  have  represented  faith 
in  Christ  to  be  a  particular  revelation^  separately 
and  supernaturally  imparted  to  every  believer  the 
moment  he  truly  believes  ;  whereby  his  soul  is  en- 
lightened, and  the  forgiveness  of  his  sins  made 
self-evident  by  the  force  of  inward  feeVmg  alone. 

Now,  that  God  can  impress  on  the  mind  so 
strong  a  sense  of  pardon  as  to  leave  a  repenting 
sinner,  beyond  all  doubt,  satisfied  of  its  coming 
from  him,  none  can  question.  And  that  in  many 
instances  he  is  most  graciously  pleased  in  this 
manner  to  manifest  himself  and  his  Love,  none 
can  dispute  who  have  been  happily  acquainted 
either  with  the  lives  or  deaths  of  the  excellent  of 
the  earth.  By  this  manifestation  have  martyrs 
been  enabled  to  sing  in  the  midst  of  the  flames ; 
and  not  only  to  endure  all  that  is  most  dismaying 
to  nature,  but  to  triumph  over  it.  By  this  manifes- 
tation of  divine  love,  thousands  are  emboldened  to 
continue  faithful  to  God  and  their  duty  amidst  the 
scoffs  and  insults  of  the  careless  and  profane. 

Nevertheless,  it  is  one  thing  to  feel  joy  and  ex- 
ultation, another  to  be  conscious  that  you  are  de- 
pending upon  Jesus  Christ  the  Lord  for  the  supply 
of  all  your  wants ;  one  t^ing  to  build  your  evidence 


^  MISCELLANEOUS.  79 

of  pardon  on  a  transporting  sensation,  quite  an- 
other to  infer  it  from  your  dependence  on  Him  who 
is  exalted  to  be  a  Prince  and  a  Savior,  to  give 
repentance  and  remission  of  sins  to  all  that  believe 
in  his  name.  And  to  suppose  the  reality  of  faith 
in  him  can  be  evidenced  no  other  way  than  by 
feeling  an  inward  testimony  of  the  pardoning  love 
of  Gt)d,  is  just  as  gross  a  mistake  as  it  would  be  to 
suppose  that  credit  is  to  be  given  to  the  written 
|iroaiise  of  an  affectionate  friend  no  longer  than  he 
himself  enforces  it  by  repeated  declarations  of  his 
particular  love.  To  act  thus  in  every  case  would 
argue  violent  suspicion  of  the  veracity  of  him 
who  gives  the  promise :  how,  then,  can  it  with 
reason  be  made  the  onhj  test  of  faith  in  Christ  that 
you  should  have  irresistible  evidence  of  his  love  in 
your  own  heart  superadded  to  the  declarations  of 
his  gospel '? 

It  is  needful,  in  treating  on  the  subject  of  faith 
in  Christ,  to  guard  against  a  mistake  of  this  nature  ; 
because,  wherever  the  power  of  religion  prevails, 
many  are  apt  to  place  their  dependence  on  the 
knowledge  of  the  forgiveness  of  their  sins  by  an 
inward  feeling.  They"  speak  as  if  nothing  were 
worth  acknowledging  as  a  blessing  from  God, 
whilst  they  possess  not  such  an  evidence  of  pardon 
in  their  own  hearts.  Others  also,  with  grief  it 
must  be  acknowledged,  have  so  imposed  upon  them- 
selves as  to  mistake  a  transient  emotion  of  joy  for 
real  faith,  while  they  are  strangers  to  any 'true 
humiliation  for  sin  or  abhorrence  of  it  in  the 
heart.  In  the  mean  time,  a  third  class,  through  the 
same  mistake,  have  been  overwhelmed  with  terrors, 
and  led  to  pass  sentence  on  themselves  as  destitute 
of  faith  and  without  Christ  in  the  world,  at  the 
very  time  when  they  were   seeking  his  help  and 


80  MISCELLANEOUS. 

grace  as  all  their  salvation,  and  consequently  weie 
true  and  sincere  believers. 

Another  great  advantage  arising  from  the  defi- 
nition of  saving  faith,  here  given  as  implying  a 
lively  dependence  on  Christ  for  wisdom,  righteous- 
ness, sanctification,  and  redemption,  is,  that  it 
establishes  the  true  believer  in  solid  peace  and  comfort ; 
and  tliis  is  a  strong  evidence  that  it  is  scripturally 
defined.  For  the  gospel,  like  a  remedy  adapted 
with  astonishing  exactness  to  our  frame  and  con- 
dition, is  intended  to  counterbalance  all  the  allure- 
ments of  temptation.  It  bestows,  even  in  this  world, 
more  than  an  equivalent  for  what  any  man  can 
suffer  or  lose  through  obedience  to  God,  as  well  as 
eternal  life  in  the  world  to  come.  It  assures  eA'ery 
faithful  disciple  that  reconciliation  is  made  for  his 
iniquity ;  that  he  is  an  object  of  God's  daily  care, 
and  an  heir  of  his  infinitely  glorious  kingdom. 
But  the  assurance  which  any  particular  person 
possesses  that  these  blessings  must  appertain  to 
him  must  depend  upon  his  certainty  that  he  has 
true,  saving  faith.  If  this  point  be  brought  into 
doubt,  his  peace  departs,  his  comfort  dies  away  ; 
for  all  the  promises  of  God's  acceptance  and  special 
love  belong  to  them,  and  to  them  only,  who  are 
united  to  Christ  by  a  living  faith.  It  is  not  doubt- 
ed by  any  one  whether  a  true  believer  is  accepted 
of  God  ;  but  the  doubt  so  cruelly  perplexing  to 
serious  minds,  and  so  chilling  to  their  hopes,  is, 
whether  they  are  believers  or  no. 

In  order,  therefore,  to  secure  to  every  believer 
that  peace  and  comfort  which  he  has  a  title  from 
the  word  of  God  to  enjoy,  the  evidence  which 
proves  the  reality  and  truth  of  his  faith  must  be 
both  clear  and  permanent.  Of  this  perfect  kind  is 
the   evidence  which   accompanies  a  lively  depend- 


MISCELLANEOUS.  81 

ence  on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  to  supply  all  our 
spiritual  wants  and  necessities.  This  dependence 
is  so  easy  to  be  known  that  no  one  can  possess  it 
without  being  conscious  of  it.  For  it  necessarily 
implies  an  intimate  and  most  interesting  connec- 
tion between  Christ  and  the  soul,  a  knowledge  of 
him  affecting  the  heart,  and  an  application  to  him 
daily  and  persevering.  A  man,  therefore,  who  is 
living  in  such  dependence  upon  the  Son  of  God, 
might  as  reasonably  call  in  question  the  reality  of 
transactions  passing  between  himself  and  his  friends 
on  earth  as  of  his  faith  in  Jesus.  This  evidence  is 
also  permanent.  The  sensible  comforts  of  a  Chris- 
tian, it  is  true,  are  in  their  nature  fluctuating ;  but 
his  dependence  does  not  vary  as  his  consolations  do. 
He  does  not  return  to  the  love  and  practice  of  sin 
after  fleeing  in  deep  humility  to  Jesus  as  a  Re- 
deemer from  its  care  and  power,  nor  revolt  to  a 
self-righteous  trust  on  his  duties  and  merits  after 
having  made  a  cordial  submission  to  Christ  as 
the  Lord  his  righteousness.  Hence  he  that  is  op- 
pressed with  gloom  and  tormented  Avith  fear  lest 
he  should  have  no  part  in  Christ,  merely  because 
he  feels  no  transporting  hope  in  his  heart,  may  be 
able,  when  his  judgment  is  better  instructed  in  the 
nature  of  faith,  to  prove  himself  a  believer  by  evi- 
dencing his  whole  dependence  to  be  on  Christ. 
And  in  consequence  of  this  proof,  the  joy  whose 
absence  he  was  mourning  will  spring  up  and  flour- 
ish, and,  like  a  fragrant  flower  in  its  proper  soil, 
yield  a  reviving  influence  to  his  heart.  He  will  be 
able  thus  to  express  the  highest  and  the  purest  satis- 
faction, saying,  "  In  the  Lord's  word  will  1  rejoice ; 
in  the  Lord's  word  will  I  comfort  me." 
6 


82  MISCELLANEOUS. 

THE     DUTY    OP     CHRISTIANS    TO    GOD     AND     HIS 
DEALINGS   WITH   THEM. 

WHEN  persons  are  justified  by  faith  and  accept- 
ed in  the  Beloved  they  become  heirs  of  ever- 
lasting life ;  but  they  cannot  know  the  full  value 
of  their  privileges  till  they  enter  upon  the  state  of 
glory.  For  this  most  who  are  converted  have  to 
wait  some  time  after  they  are  partakers  of  grace. 
Though  the  Lord  loves  them,  hates  sin,  and  teaches 
them  to  hate  it,  he  appoints  them  to  remain  a  while 
in  a  sinful  world,  and  to  groan  under  the  burden 
of  a  depraved  nature.  He  could  put  them  in  im- 
mediate possession  of  heaven ;  but  he  does  not. 
He  has  a  service  for  them  here,  an  honor  which 
is  worth  all  they  can  sufi^r,  and  which  eternity 
will  not  afford  an  opportunity ;  namely,  to  be  in- 
struments in  promoting  his  designs  and  manifest- 
ing his  grace  in  the  world. 

Strictly  speaking,  this  is  the  whole  of  their  busi- 
ness here,  the  only  reason  why  life  is  prolonged 
or  for  which  it  is  truly  desirable,  that  they  may 
fill  up  their  connections  and  situations,  improve 
their  comforts  and  crosses,  in  such  a  manner  as  that 
God  may  be  glorified  in  them  and  by  them.  As 
he  is  a  bountiful  Master  and  a  kind  Father,  he  is 
pleased  to  afford  a  variety  of  temporal  blessings 
which  sweeten  the  service,  and  as  coming  from  his 
hand  are  very  valuable,  but  are  by  no  means  worth 
living  for  considered  in  themselves,  as  they  can 
neither  satisfy  their  desires,  nor  preserve  them  from 
trouble,  or  support  them  under  it.  That  light  of 
God's  countenance  which  can  pervade  the  walls 
and  dissipate  the  gloom  of  a  dungeon  is  imspeak- 
ably  preferable  to  all  that  can  be  enjoyed  in  a  pal- 
ace without  it.     The  true  end  of  life  is  to  live,  not 


MISCELLANEOUS.  83 

to  onrselves,  but  to  Him  who  died  for  us ;  and 
while  we  devote  ourselves  to  his  scrvjpe  ou  earth, 
we  should  rejoice  in  the  prospect  of  being  happy 
with  him  forever  in  heaven. 

These  things  are  generally  known  and  acknowl- 
^ged  by  professors  ;  but  they  are  a  favored  few, 
who  act  consistently  with  their  avowed  principles  ; 
who  honestly,  diligently,  and  without  reserve  en- 
deavor to  make  the  most  of  their  talents  and  abili- 
ties in  promoting  the  service  of  God,  and  who 
allow  themselves  in  no  work  or  designs  but  what 
are  evidently  subordinate  and  subservient  to  it. 
The  best  Christians,  indeed,  find  cause  to  confess 
that  they  are  not  only  unprofitable  in  comparison 
of  what  they  wish  to  be,  but  in  many  instances 
unfaithful  likewise.  They  find  so  many  snares, 
hinderances,  and  tem.ptations  arising  from  without, 
and  so  much  embarrassment  from  sin  within,  that 
they  have  more  cause  for  humiliation  than  self- 
complacence,  even  when  they  seem  most  earaest 
and  useful.  However,  we  have  no  scriptural  evi- 
dence that  we  serve  God  at  all  any  further  than 
we  find  an  habitual  desire  and  aim  to  serve  him 
wholly.  He  is  gracious  to  our  imperfections  and 
weakness ;  yet  he  requires  all  the  heart,  and  will 
not  be  served  by  halves,  nor  accept  what  is  per- 
formed by  a  divided  spirit.  There  is  not  a  grain 
of  real  goodness  in  the  most  specious  actions  which 
are  done  without  reference  to  the  glory  of  God. 
This  the  world  cannot  understand  ;  but  it  will 
appear  highly  reasonable  to  those  Avho  take  their 
ideas  of  God  from  the  Scriptures,  and  who  have 
felt  the  necessity  and  found  the  benefits  of  redemp- 
tion. We  are  debtors  many  ways.  God  has  a 
right  to  us  by  creation,  by  redemption,  by  conquest, 
when  he  freed  us  from  Satan's  power  and  took 


84  MISCELLANEOUS. 

possession  of  our  hearts  by  his  grace,  and  when  he 
disposed  and  empowered  us  to  take  him  for  our 
portion.  T^ien  we  felt  the  force  of  our  obliga- 
tions ;  we  saw  the  beauty  and  honor  of  his  service, 
and  that  nothing  was  worthy  to  stand  in  the  least 
degree  of  competition  with  it.  This  is  always 
equally  true,  though  our  perceptions  of  it  are  not 
always  equally  strong.  It  cannot,  however,  be 
wholly  forgotten,  or  cease  to  be  the  governing  prin- 
ciple of  life  in  true  Christians.  In  proportion  as 
they  appreciate  their  manifold  obligations  and 
blessings,  in  that  proportion  will  they  aim  to  dis- 
charge e^ery  known  duty,  and  to  promote  the  glory 
of  God  and  the  good  of  their  fellow-creatures. 


I 


BIBLE. 

T  is  the  light  of  my  understanding,  the  joy  of 
my  heart,  the  fulness  of  my  hope,  the  clarifier 
of  my  affections,  the  mirror  of  my  thoughts,  the 
consoler  of  my  sorrows,  the  guide  of  my  soul 
through  this  gloomy  labyrinth  of  time,  the  tele- 
scope sent  from  heaven  to  reveal  to  the  eye  of 
man  the  amazing  glories  of  that  far-distant  world. 
—  Dwight. 

ONE  watch,  set  right,  will  do  to  try  many  by ;  but 
on  the  other  hand,  one  that  goes  wrong  may  be 
the  means  of  misleading  a  whole  neighborhood ; 
and  the  same  may  be  said  of  the  example  we  indi- 
vidually set  to  those  around  us. 

CAKD    PLAYING. 

IT  is  very  wonderful  to  see  persons  of  the   best 
sense  passing  away  a  dozen  hours  in  shuffling^ 


MISCELLANEOUS.  85 

and  dividing  a  pack  of  cards,  with  no  other  conver- 
sation but  what  is  made  up  of  a  few  game  phrases, 
and  no  other  ideas  but  those  of  black  or  red  spots 
ranged  together  in  different  figures.  Would  not  a 
man  laugh  to  hear  anyone  of  his  species  complain- 
ing that  life  is  short  ?  — Addison. 

FAMILY  WORSHIP. 

WHEN  we  reflect  that  all  we  possess,  all  that  we 
desire,  is  the  gift  of  our  God ;  that  we  are 
dependent  on  him  for  our  life  and  every  blessing 
which  renders  life  comfortable ;  that  the  health  of 
our  families  and  every  domestic  enjoyment  flow 
from  the  Giver  of  every  good  and  perfect  gift,  — 
surely  we  cannot  think  it  too  much  to  consecrate 
to  his  service  a  few  moments  every  morning  and 
evening  for  domestic  worship.  How  pleasing  to 
see  a  master  erecting  in  his  house  an  altar  to  the 
God  of  Israel  !  The  cares  and  vicissitudes  of  life 
for  a  short  time  flee  away,  and  the  sacrifice  of  holy 
devotion  ascends,  while  the  band  of  worshippers 
unite  in  fervent  prayer  to  Him  whose  they  are  and 
whom  they  delight  to  serve.  In  that  house  God 
is  honored ;  there  his  ark  finds  a  resting-place ; 
there  a  temple  is  consecrated  to  his  service ;  and 
there  he  commands  his  blessing,  even  life  forever- 
more.  When  morning  dawns  they  unite  in  thank- 
ing God  for  the  kindness  which  has  shielded  them 
through  the  night,  and  imploring  the  same  kind- 
ness to  shield  them  through  the  day.  When  even- 
ing returns  they  bow  together  at  the  footstool  of 
mercy,  grateful  for  the  goodness  which  has  attend- 
ed them  through  the  day,  and  entreating  the  same 
goodness  to  guard  them  through  the  night.  In  the 
morning  prayer  unlocks  the  treasures  of  heaven  to 


86  MISCELLANEOUS. 

their  souls  ;  in  the  evening:  it  secures  them  under 
the  protection  of  Omnipotence.  —  Rev.  J.  Clarkson. 

PRESENT    REWARDS    OF   AVELL   DOING. 

IT  is  the  marvellous  property  of  spiritual  things, 
though  we  can  scarcely  afhrm  it  of  natural,  that 
the  effort  to  teach  them  to  others  gives  enlarge- 
ment to  our  own  sphere  of  information.  We  are 
persuaded  that  the  most  experienced  Christian  can- 
not sit  down  with  the  neglected  and  grossly  igno- 
rant laborer,  nay,  not  with  the  child  in  a  Sunday 
or  infant  school,  and  strive  to  explain  and  enforce 
the  great  truths  of  the  Bible,  without  finding  his 
own  views  of  the  gospel  amplified  and  cleared 
through  this  engagement  in  the  business  of  tuition. 
The  mere  trying  to  make  a  point  plain  to  an- 
other will  oftentimes  make  it  far  plainer  than  ever 
to  ourselves. 

In  illustrating  a  doctrine  of  Scripture,  in  endeav- 
oring to  bring  it  down  to  the  level  of  a  weak  or 
undisciplined  understanding,  you  will  find  that 
doctrine  presenting  itself  to  your  own  mind  with 
a  new  power  and  unimagined  beauty ;  and-  though 
you  may  have  read  the  standard  Avriters  on  theol- 
ogy and  mastered  the  essays  of  the  most  learned 
divines,  yet  shall  such  fi'esh  and  vigorous  appre- 
hensions of  truth  be  derived  often  from  the  effort 
to  press  it  home  on  the  intellect  and  conscience  of 
the  ignorant,  that  you  shall  pronounce  the  cottage 
of  the  untaught  peasant  your  best  school  house, 
and  the  questions  even  of  a  child  your  most  search- 
ing catechizings  on  the  majestic  and  mysterious 
things  of  our  faith.  And  as  you  tell  over  to  the 
poor  cottager  the  story  of  the  incarnation  and  cru- 
cifixion, and  inform  him  of  the  nature  and  effects 


MISCELLANEOUS.  87 

of  Adam's  apostasy,  or  even  find  yourself  required 
to  adduce  more  elementary  truths,  pressing  on  the 
neglected  man  the  being  of  a  God  and  the  immor- 
tality of  the  soul,  —  0,  it  shall  constantly  occur  that 
you  will  feel  a  keener  sense  than  ever  of  the  pre- 
ciousness  of  Christ,  or  a  greater  awe  at  the  ma- 
jesties of  Jehovah,  or  a  loftier  bounding  of  spirit 
at  the  thought  of  your  own  deathlessness.  In 
teaching  another  you  teach  also  yourself,  and  carry 
away  from  your  intercourse  with  the  mechanic  or 
the  child  such  an  accession  to  your  own  knowledge 
or  your  own  love  as  shall  seem  to  make  you  the 
indebted  party,  and  not  the  obliging. 

SPIRITUAL   ADVANTAGES    OF   POVERTY. 

GOD  has  so  manifested  a  tender  and  impartial 
concern  for  his  creatures  as  to  have  thrown  ad- 
vantages round  poverty  which  may  well  be  said  to 
counterbalance  its  disadvantages.  It  is  unques- 
tionable that  the  condition  of  a  poor  man  is  more 
favorable  than  that  of  a  rich  to  the  reception  of 
Christ.  Had  not  this  been  matter  of  fact,  the  Re- 
deemer would  never  have  pronounced  it  "  easier  for 
a  camel  to  go  through  a  needle's  eye  than  for  a 
rich  man  to  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven." 
There  is  in  poverty  what  we  may  almost  call  a  nat- 
ural tendency  to  the  leading  of  men  to  dependence 
on  God  and  faith  in  his  promises.  On  the  other 
hand,  there  is  in  wealth  just  as  natural  a  tendency 
to  the  production  of  a  spirit  of  haughty  and  infidel 
independence.  The  poor  man,  harassed  with  diffi- 
culties in  earning  a  scanty  subsistence  for  himself 
and  his  household,  will  have  a  readier  ear  for 
tidings  of  a  bright  home  beyond  the  grave  than 
the  rich  man,  who,  lapped  in  luxury,  can  imagine 


88  MISCELLANEOUS. 

I 

nothing  more  delightful  than  the  unbroken  contin- 
uance of  present  enjoyments.  Poverty,  in  short,  is 
a  humiliating  and  depressing  thing  ;  whilst  afflu- 
ence nurtures  pride  and  elation  of  mind.  And 
in  proportion,  therefore,  as  all  which  has  kinsman- 
ship  with  humility  is  favorable  to  piety,  all  v/hich 
lias  kinsnianship  with  haughtiness  unfavorable,  we 
may  fairly  argue  that  the  poor  man  has  an  advan- 
tage over  the  rich,  considering  them  both  as  ap- 
pointed to  immortality. 

Not  only  has  God  thus  mercifully  introduced  a 
kind  of  natural  counterpoise  to  the  allowed  evils  of 
poverty,  but  in  the  institution  of  a  method  of  redemp- 
tion, he  may  specially  be  said  to  have  prepared 
for  the  mean  and  the  destitute.  There  is  nothing 
in  the  prescribed  duties  of  religion  which,  in  the 
least  degree,  requires  that  a  man  should  be  a  man 
of  learning  or  leisure.  We  take  the  husbandman 
at  his  plough,  or  the  manufacturer  at  his  loom, 
and  we  can  tell  him  that,  whilst  he  goes  on  unin- 
terruptedly with  his  daily  toil,  the  grand  business 
of  his  souFs  salvation  may  advance  with  a  uniform 
march.  We  do  not  require  that  he  should  relax 
in  his  industry,  or  abstract  some  hours  from  his 
usual  occupations,  in  order  to  learn  a  complicated 
plan,  and  study  a  scheme  which  demands  time  and 
intellect  for  its  mastery.  The  gospel  message  is  so 
exquisitely  simple,  the  sum  and  substance  of  truth 
may  be  so  gathered  into  brief  and  easily-under- 
stood sentences,  that  all  which  it  is  absolutely 
necessary  to  know  may  be  told  in  a  minute,  and 
borne  about  with  him  by  the  laborer  in  the  field,  or 
the  mariner  on  the  waters,  or  the  traveller  in  the 
most  distant  regions  of  the  earth.  We  reckon  it 
far  the  most  wonderful  feature  in  the  Bible  that, 
wliilst  presenting  a  sphere   for   the   longest  and 


MISCELLANEOUS.  89 

most  painstaking  research,  exhibiting  heights 
which  no  soarings  of  imagination  can  scale  and 
depths  which  no  fathoming  line  of  intellect  can 
explore,  it  sets  forth  the  way  of  salvation  with  so 
much  of  unadorned  plainness  that  it  may  as  read- 
ily be  understood  by  the  child  or  the  peasant  as 
by  the  full-grown  man  or  the  deep-read  philosopher. 
Who  will  keep  back  the  tribute  of  acknowledg- 
ment that  God  of  his  goodness  has  prepared  for 
the  poor '? 

LIFE  is  made  up,  not  of  great  sacrifices  or  duties, 
but  of  little  things,  in  which  smiles  and  kind- 
nesses and  small  obligations,  given  habitually,  are 
what  win  and  preserve  the  heart  and  secure  com- 
fort. —  Sir  Humphrey  Davy. 

TlfOULDST    thou    from    sorrow  find   a   sweet 
''  relief? 

Or  is  thy  heart  oppressed  with  woes  untold  ? 
Balm  wouldst  thou  gather  for  corroding  grief? 

Pour  blessings  round  thee  like  a  shower  of  gold. 

PKATER. 

IN  the  morning,  prayer  is  the  key  that  opens  to  us 
the  treasure  of  God's  mercies  and  blessings  ;  in 
the  evening,  it  is  the  key  that  shuts  us  up  under  his 
protection  and  safeguard. 


90  MISCELLANEOUS. 


CONTENTMENT. 


TITHAT  though  we  quit  all  glittering  pomp  and 

greatness, 
We  may  enjoy  content :  in  that  alone 
Is  greatness,  power,  wealth,  honor  all  summed  up. 

FROM  social  intercourse  are  derived  some  of  the 
highest  enjoyments  of  life.  Where  there  is  a 
free  interchange  of  sentiments,  the  mind  acquires 
new  ideas  ;  and  by  a  frequent  exercise  of  its  powers 
the  understanding  gains  fresh  vigor.  —  Addison. 

THE  end  of  learning  is  to  know  God,  and  out  of 
that  knowledge  to  love  him  and  to  imitate  him, 
as  we  may  the  nearest  by  possessing  our  souls  of 
true  virtue.  —  Milton. 

IT  is  the  greatest  madness  to  be  a  hypocrite  in 
religion.  The  world  will  hate  thee  because  a 
Christian  even  in  appearance ;  and  God  will  hate 
thee  because  so  only  in  appearance  ;  and  thus,  hav- 
ing the  hatred  of  both,  thou  shalt  have  no  comfort 
in  either.  —  Bishop  Hall. 

RELIGION. 

IF  it  were  only  the  exercise  of  the  body,  the  mov- 
ing of  the  lips,  the  bending  of  the  knee,  meu 
would  as  commonly  step  to  heaven  as  they  go  to 
visit  a  friend  ;  but  to  separate  our  thoughts  and 
affections  from  the  world,  to  draw  forth  all  our 
graces  and  engage  each  in  its  proper  object,  and  to 
hold  them  to  it  till  the  work  prospers  in  our  hands, 
—  this,  this  is  the  difficulty  —  Baxter 


MISCELLANEOUS.  91 

HUMILITY  cannot  be  degraded  by  humiliation. 
It  is  its  very  character  to  submit  to  such  things. 
There  is  a  consanguinity  between  benevolence  and 
humility.  They  are  virtues  of  the  same  stock.  — 
Burke. 

REV.   THOMAS    SCOTT, 

THE  closing  scenes  in  the  life  of  this  deeply  pious, 
learned,  and  well-known  commentator  are  full 
of  interest  and  instruction.  His  life  was  protract- 
ed for  seventy-five  years,  and  his  active  ministry 
nearly  fifty.  As  this  good  rnan  drew  near  the 
close  of  lii'e  he  was  greatly  distressed  at  the  tem- 
porary withdrawal  of  the  light  of  the  divine  coun- 
tenance. His  biographer,  an  eye  and  ear  witness. 
says,  — 

"  In  the  time  of  his  darkness  and  gloom  he 
prayed  without  ceasing  and  with  inexpressil)le 
fervor.  He  seemed  unconscious  of  any  one  being 
near  him,  and  gave  vent  to  the  feelings  of  his  mind 
without  restraint.  And  O,  what  holy  feelings 
were  they  !  what  spirituality  !  what  hatred  of  sin  ! 
what  humility!  what  simple  faith  in  Christ !  what 
zeal  for  God's  glory !  what  submission !  Never 
could  I  hear  him  without  being  reminded  of  Him 
who,  '  being  in  an  agony,  prayed  the  more  earnest- 
ly,' and  whose  language  was,  '  My  God,  my  God, 
why  hast  thou  forsaken  me  1 '  'I  think  nothing,' 
he  said,  '  of  my  bodily  pains ;  my  soul  is  all.  I 
trust  all  will  end  well ;  but  it  is  a  dreadful  conflict. 
I  hope,  I  fear,  I  tremble,  I  pray.  Satan  tries  to  be 
revenged  on  me  in  this  awful  hour  for  all  that  I 
have  done  against  his  kingdom  through  life.  He 
longs  to  pluck  me  out  of  Christ's  hands.  Subdue 
the  enemy,  0  Lord ;  silence  the  accuser ;  bruise 
Satan  under  my  feet  shortly. 


92  MISCELLANEOUS. 

"  Hide  me,  O  my  Savior,  hide, 
Till  the  storm  of  life  is  past; 

Safe  mto  the  haven  guide ; 
0,  receive  my  soul  at  last. 

Other  refuge  have  I  none." 

" '  O,  to  enter  eternity  with  one  doubt  on  the  mind  ! 
Eternity^  eternity,  eternity  !  People  talk  of  assurance 
not  being  attainable  in  this  world,  nor  perhaps  not 
much  to  be  desired.  They  and  Satan  agree  on 
this  point.  O,  what  a  thing  sin  is  !  Who  knoweth 
the  power  of  his  wrath  ?  If  this  be  the  ivay  to  heaven, 
ivhat  must  the  way  to  hell  be  ?  "  If  the  righteous 
scarcely  be  saved,  where  shall  the  ungodly  and  the 
sinner  appear  ?  "  ' 

''  In  the  midst  of  this  conflict  he  generally  ex 
pressed  hope  of  final  victory,  but  thought  he  should 
die  under  a  cloud.  He  accused  himself  of  self-in- 
dulgence and  slackness  in  prayer;  of  having  made 
his  religious  labors  an  excuse  for  shortness  in  pri- 
vate devotion. 

"  His  first  clear  consolation  was  after  receiving 
the  Lord's  supper,  on  the  22d  of  March,  1821.  He 
had  previously  observed,  '  An  undue  stress  is  some- 
times laid  upon  this  ordinance,  as  administered  to 
the  sick,  and  I  think  others  of  us  are  in  danger  of 
undervaluing  it.'  Through  the  remainder  of  the 
day,  though  much  exhausted,  and  during  the  night, 
he  continued  in  a  ver}-  happy  state  of  mind. 

"  To  his  son-in-law,  who  came  in  the  evening, 
he  said,  '  I  feel  a  composure  which  I  did  not  expect 
last  night.  I  have  not  triumphant  assurance,  but 
something  which  is  more  calm  and  satisfactory. 
I  bless  God  for  it.'  And  then  he  repeated  in  the 
most  emphatic  manner  the  whole  of  the  twelfth 
chapter  of  Isaiah:  '-'O  Lord,  I  will  praise  theej 


MISCELLANEOUS.  93 

though  thou  wast  angry  with  me,  .,hy  anger  is 
turned  away,  and  thou  comfortest  me,"  &c.  0,  to 
realize  the  fulness  of  joy !  to  have  done  with  temp- 
tation !  "  They  shall  hunger  no  more,  neither 
thirst  any  more  ;  neither  shall  the  sun  light  on 
them,  nor  any  heat ;  for  the  Lamb  which  is  in  the 
midst  of  the  throne  shall  feed  them,  and  shall  lead 
them  unto  living  fountains  of  water ;  and  God  shall 
wipe  away  all  tears  from  their  eyes.  They  are 
come  out  of  great  tribulation,  and  have  washed 
their  robes  and  made  them  white  in  the  blood  of 
the  Lamb.'* 

"  Sin,  my  worst  enemy  before, 
Shall  vex  my  eyes  and  ears  no  more ; 
My  inward  foes  shall  all  be  slain, 
Nor  Satan  break  my  peace  again." 

"  '  We  know  not  what  we  shall  be ;  but  we  know 
that  when  He  shall  appear  we  shall  be  like  him, 
for  we  shall  see  him  as  he  is.'  He  frequently  re- 
peated, Perfect  peace  ! 

"  In  the  night  he  had  some  refreshing  sleep, 
and  awoke  in  great  calmness.  '  This,'  said  he,  '  is 
heaven  begun ;  I  have  done  with  darkness  forever  — 
forever.  Satan  is  vanquished.  Nothing  now  re- 
mains but  salvation  with  eternal  glory  —  eternal 
glory.' 

"  On  March  27th  he  appeared  dying,  and  suffered 
exquisitely.  '0,'  said  he,  'it  is  hard  work.  Death 
is  a  new  acquaintance,  a  terrible  one,  except  as 
Christ  giveth  us  the  victory  and  the  assurance  of  it. 
My  flesh  and  my  heart  seem  as  if  they  Avanted 
to  fail  and  could  not.  Who  can  tell  what  that  tie 
is  which  binds  body  and  soul  together  ?  How 
easily  is  it  loosened  in  some  !  what  a  ivrench  and 
tear  is  it  in  others  !     Lord,  loosen  it,  if  it  be  thy 


a  MISCELLANEOUS. 

will.  I  hope  it  is  not  wrong  to  pray  for  release; 
if  it  be,  may  God  forgive  me.  Yet  if  it  be  thy  will 
that  I  should  wait  for  days  and  weeks,  thou  art 
righteous.' 

"  Through  the  whole  of  Tuesday  afternoon  he 
was  calm,  and  talked  delightfully.  He  seemed  to 
unite  the  cheerfulness,  cleai'ness  of  thought,  and 
force  of  argument  of  his  former  days  with  extraor- 
dinary tenderness,  humility,  meekness,  and  love  of 
his  present  situation.  On  his  second  son's  enter- 
ing the  room  he  said  to  him,  '  Who  am  an  elder, 
and  a  witness  of  the  sujfferings  of  Christ,  and  also 
a  partaker  of  the  glory  that  shall  be  revealed  ;  feed 
the  flock  of  God  that  is  among  you,'  &c.,  and 
proceeded  to  converse  in  the  most  interesting  man- 
ner about  his  own  past  ministry.  He  had  a  blessed 
consciousness  of  having  endeavored  to  be  faithful, 
which  was  a  source  of  gratitude  to  him. 

"  To  his  grandson  he  said,  '  God  bless  you  !  I 
have  often  preached  to  you,  and  sometimes  talked 
to  you  ;  but  I  have  prayed  for  you  a  hundred  times 
more.  Seek  to  serve  God.  Religion  is  all  that  is 
valuable.  You  may  think  it  does  little  for  me 
now ;  but  it  is  all.  May  you  be  a  blessing  to  your 
parents,  to  your  brothers  and  sisters.  You  are  the 
eldest ;  should  you  outlive  your  father,  be  a  father 
to  the  rest.  I  have  always  particularly  v/ished  you 
might  be  a  minister  of  Christ;  but  this  I  must 
leave.     God's  will  be  done  ! ' 

"  One  thing  is  not  to  be  forgotten  concerning  these 
benedictions,  wliich  he  continued  to  pronounce 
upon  his  grandson,  that,  though  he  much  longed 
that  he  should  be  a  minister,  he  yet  .solemnly 
warned  him  not  to  take  the  sacred  office  upon  him 
unless  he  was  conscious  of  a  heart  devoted  to  the 
work  of  it      '  Kather,'  said  he,  '  make  forks  and 


MISCELLANEOUS.  95 

rakes,  rather  plough  the  ground  and  thresh  the 
corn,  than  be  an  indolent,  ungodly  clergyman.' 

"  On  Wednesday,  28th,  A.  M,,  he  had  slept  a 
good  deal,  and  was  calm  and  cheerful,  though  in 
great  suffering.  '  This,'  he  said,  '  is  my  last  day. 
Still  I  have  the  last  struggle  to  pass ;  and  what  tl>at 
is,  who  can  tell  me  1  Lord,  give  me  patience,  forti- 
tude, holy  courage  !  I  have  heard  persons  treat  al- 
most with  ridicule  the  expression,  Put  "  underneath 
me  the  everlasting  arms."  But  it  is  exactly  what  I 
want ,  "  everlasting  arms  "  to  raise  me  up ;  to  be 
"  strengthened  with  might  by  his  Spirit  in  the  inner 
man."  I  am  in  full  possession  of  all  my  faculties  ; 
I  know  I  am  dying ;  I  feel  the  immense,  the  infi- 
nite, importance  of  the  crisis.  "  Lord  Jesus,  receive 
my  spirit."  Thou  art  "all  I  want;"  "none  but 
Christ  can  do  helpless  sinners  good."  Blessed  be 
God,  there  is  one  Savior,  though  but  one,  in  the 
whole  universe.  Had  any  other  done  what  Christ 
has  for  us,  —  raised  us  from  such  a  deplorable,  lost, 
wicked  state,  shed  his  blood  for  us,  sent  his  Spirit 
to  quicken  us,  —  would  he  not  be  greatly  affronted 
if  we  were  to  doubt  his  perfecting  his  own  work  ? 
And  yet  we  are  apt  to  doubt  Christ's  love.  God 
forgive  us  that,  with  all  the  rest  of  our  offences  ! 
'•  He  that  spared  not  his  own  Son,  but  delivered* 
him  up  for  us  all,  ho^v  shall  he  not  with  him  also 
freely  give  us  all  things."  ' 

"In  much  the  same  state  he  continued  till  his 
death.  His  mind  was  clear  to  the  last  moment. 
He  had  been  peaceful  and  happy  for  several  days ; 
and  in  the  end,  with  perfect  composure  and  a 
heavenly  smile  playing  upon  his  countenance,  he 
sank  down  in  the  arms  of  death,  and  without  a  sigh 
or  a  struggle,  without  even  a  discomposed  feature, 
he  sweetly  slept  in  Jesus. 


96  MISCELLANEOUS. 

"  Thus  terminated  the  sufferings  and  trials  of  this 
eminent  servant  of  Jesus,  proving  by  his  last  con- 
flict that,  though  the  valley  of  death  is  frequently 
beset  with  terrors  at  its  entrance,  yet  the  victory 
remains  certain  to  every  real  child  of  God.  Nature 
indeed  slirinks  from  the  hand  of  death,  and  the 
mind  itself  trembles  at  the  thoughts  of  eternity ; 
but  the  rod  and  staff  of  Omnipotence  yield  cour- 
age and  strength,  and  turn  the  eye  undaunted  at 
the  dark  valley  through  which  lies  the  road  to  end- 
less bliss.  He  died  April  16,  1821,  in  the  seventy- 
tifth  year  of  his  age." 

WHEN  I  look  upon  the  tombs  of  the  great,  every 
emotion  of  envy  dies  in  me.  When  I  read  the 
epitaphs  of  the  beautiful,  every  inordinate  desire 
goes  out.  When  I  meet  with  the  grief  of  parents 
upon  a  tombstone,  my  heart  melts  with  compas- 
sion. When  I  see  the  tomb  of  the  parents  them- 
selves, I  consider  the  vanity  of  grieving  for  those 
whom  we  must  quickly  follow.  When  I  see  kings 
lying  by  those  who  deposed  them,  when  I  consider 
rival  wits  placed  side  by  side,  or  the  holy  men  that 
divided  the  world  with  their  contests  and  disputes, 
I  reflect  with  sorrow  and  astonishment  on  the  little 
Competitions,  fashions,  and  debates  of  mankind. 
When  I  read  the  several  dates  of  the  tombs,  of 
some  that  died  yesterday  and  some  six  hundred 
years  ago,  I  consider  that  great  day  when  we  shall 
all  of  us  be  contemporaries  and  make  one  appear- 
ance together. 

■yiRTUE,  not  rolling  suns,  the  mind  matures : 
That  life  is  long  which  answers  life's  great  end. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  97 

THE  closing  scene  of  Voltaire's  life  can  never 
be  forgotten.  We  are  informed  "  that  almost  un- 
imaginable were  the  torments  of  his  mind  ;  his  cries 
were  piercing  as  the  shrielvs  of  a  fiend  ;  his  athe- 
istic associates,  who  would  fain  have  steeled  his 
spirit,  fled  before  his  curses;  the  nurse  who  waited 
upon  him  would  never  afterwards  tend  the  death 
bed  of  an  unbeliever:  and  the  physician  declared 
that  the  furies  of  Orestes  were  nothing  to  the  tor- 
tures of  Voltaire." 

IT  is  a  fact,  that  some  of  the  hardiest  Christian 
warriors  who  have  fought  under  Christ's  banners, 
were  once  his  most  powerful  and  bitter  enemies. 
Instance  John  Newton  and  John  Bunyan. 

HE  who  formed  us  knew  beforehand  what  ser- 
vices he  intended  for  us ;  and  if  we  desire  to 
serve  him,  he  will  qualify  us  for  all  which  he  has 
for  us  to  do  or  suffer  in  the  world,  and  carry  us 
through  it. 

IT  is  not  our  light  afflictions,  but  our  fieri/  trials, 
such  as  those  which  Job  endured,  which  test  our 
Christian  patience.  Then  it  is  that  we  are  tempted 
to  entertain  hard  thoughts  of  God  and  of  his  justice. 
Happy  they  who  can  imitate  Job's  patience  and 
faith  under  such  circumstances. 

TiEVOTlON  is  the  sole  asylum  of  human  frailty, 
-L'  and  the  sole  support  of  heavenly  perfection  ;  it 
is  the  golden  chain  of  union  between  heaven  and 
earth,  and  keeps  open  a  blessed  communication. 
He  that  has  never  pi-ayed  can  never  conceive,  and 
he  that  has  prayed  as  he  ought  can  never  forget, 
how  much  is  to  be  gained  by  prayer. 
7 


98  MISCELLANEOUS. 


CHRIST   OUR   HAPPINESS. 


rpHOU  art  the  source  and  centre  of  all  minds, 
Their  only  point  of  rest,  Eternal  Word  ! 
From  thee  departing  they  are  lost,  and  rove 
At  random,  without  honor,  hope,  or  peace. 
From  THEE  is  all  that  soothes  the  life  of  man, 
His  high  endeavor  and  his  glad  success, 
His  strength  to  suffer  and  his  will  to  serve. 
But,  O  thou  bounteous  Giver  of  all  good, 
Thou  art  of  all  thy  gifts  thyself  the  crown. 
Give  what  thou  canst ;  without  thee  we  are  poor, 
And  with  thee  rich,  take  what  thou  wilt  away. 

ADVICE    TO   THE    CLERGY. 

PREACH  Christ  Jesus  the  Lord ;  determine  to 
know  nothing  among  your  people  but  Christ 
crucified  :  let  his  name  and  grace,  his  spirit  and 
love,  triumph  in  the  midst  of  all  your  sermons. 
Let  your  great  end  be  to  glorify  him  in  the  hearts, 
to  render  him  amiable  and  precious  in  the  eyes,  of 
his  people  ;  to  lead  them  to  him  as  a  sanctuary  to 
protect  them,  a  propitiation  to  reconcile  them,  a 
treasure  to  enrich  them,  a  physician  to  heal  them, 
an  advocate  to  present  them  and  their  services  to 
God;  as  wisdom  to  counsel,  as  righteousness  to 
justify,  as  sanctification  to  renew,  as  redemption 
to  save,  as  an  inexhaustible  fountain  of  pardon, 
grace,  comfort,  victory,  glory.  Let  Christ  be  the 
diamond  to  shine  in  the  bosom  of  all  your  sermons. 


0 


MISCELLANEOUS.  99 

THE    HUMAN  FRAME. 

UR  life  contains  a  thousand  springs, 
And  dies  if  one  be  gone  ; 
Strange  that  a  harp  of  thousand  strings 
Should  keep  in  tune  so  long  ! 

HOLT   THOUGHTS. 

HOLY  thoughts  of  God  must  be  assiduously- 
watered  by  prayer,  earthed  up  by  meditation, 
and  defended  by  watchfulness  ;  and  yet  all  this  is 
sometimes  too  little  to  preserve  them  alive  in  our 
souls.  Alas !  the  heart  is  a  soil  that  agrees  not 
with  them  ;  they  are  tender  things,  and  a  small 
matter  will  nip  and  kill  them.  But  vain  thoughts 
and  unholy  suggestions,  —  these  spread  themselves 
and  root  deep  in  the  heart :  they  naturally  agree 
with  the  soil,  so  that  it  is  almost  impossible^  at  any 
time  to  be  rid  of  them.  It  is  hard  to  forget  what 
it  is  our  sin  to  remember. 


CHRIST    OUR   EXAMPLE. 

THE  gospel  doth  not  only  represent  the  doctrine 
of  Christ  to  be  believed,  but  also  the  life  of  Christ 
to  he  followed;  nor  shall  any  have  him  for  their  ad 
vocate  and  propitiation  but  such  as  are  willing  to 
have  him  for  their  pattern  and  example  :  to  cx)py 
out  and  imitate  his  humility,  patience,  purity,  be- 
nignity, and  self-resignation!  None  shall  be  bene- 
fited by  his  death  that  are  unwilling  to  habitually 
endeavor  to  conform  their  lives  to  the  holy  require- 
ments of  his  word. 


100  MISCELLANEOUS. 

HUMILITY. 

THE  high  mountains  are  barren,  but  the  low  val- 
leys are  covered  with  corn ;  and  accordingly 
the  showers  of  God's  grace  fall  in  lowly  hearts  and 
humble  souls.  The  more  poor  in  spirit,  the  more 
self-empty,  and  the  more  earnestly  we  are  desirous 
of  spiritual  things,  the  more  abundantly  we  shall 
be  filled.     (Matt.  v.  6.) 

A  CHRISTIAN  in  this  world  is  but  gold  in  the 
ore :  at  death  the  pure  gold  is  melted  out  and 
separated,  and  the  dross  cast  away  and  consumed. 

GREAT    PKINCIPLES. 

LOVE  to  God,  charity  to  man,  purity  and  humil- 
ity are  the  highest  perfections  that  either  men 
or  angels  are  capable  of,  the  very  foundation  of 
heaven  laid  in  the  soul :  and  he  who  hath  attained 
them  needs  not  desire  to  pry  into  the  liidden  rolls 
of  God's  decrees,  or  search  the  volumes  of  heaven, 
to  know  what  is  determined  about  his  everlasting 
condition ;  but  he  may  find  a  copy  of  God's  thoughts 
concerning  him  written  in  his  own  breast. 

EXTRACT   FROM   LETTER   OF   THE   REV.  MR.  N . 

OUR  views  of  death  will  not  always  be  alike,  but 
in  proportion  to  the  degree  in  which  the  Holy 
Spirit  is  pleased  to  impart  his  sensible  influence. 
We  may  anticipate  the  moment  of  dissolution  with 
pleasure,  and  desire  it  in  the  morning,  and  be  ready 
to  shrink  from  tlie  thought  of  it  before  night.  But 
though  our  frames  and  perceptions  vary,  the  report 
of  faith  concerning  it  is  the  same.    Our  Lord  usual- 


MISCELLANEOUS.  101 

ly  resei-ves  dyino-  strene:th  for  a  dying  hour. 
When  Israel  was  to  pass  Jordan,  the  ark  was  in 
the  river  ;  and  though  the  rear  of  the  host  could  not 
see  it,  yet,  as  they  successively  came  forward  and 
approached  the  banks,  they  all  beheld  the  ark.  and 
all  went  safely  over. 

As  you  are  not  weary  of  living,  if  it  be  the  Lord's 
pleasure,  so  I  hope,  for  the  sake  of  your  friends  and 
the  people  whom  you  love,  that  he*^  will  still  spare 
you  ;  but  when  the  time  shall  arrive  which  he  has 
appointed  for  your  dismission,  I  make  no  doubt 
but  he  will  overpower  all  your  fears,  silence  all 
your  enemies,  and  give  you  a  comfortable,  triumph- 
ant entrance  into  his  kingdom.  You  have  noth- 
ing to  fear  from  death  ;  for  Christ,  bv  dying,  has 
disarmed  it  of  its  sting,  has  i>erfumed  tlie  grave, 
and  opened  the  gates  of  glory  for  his  believing 
people.  Satan,  so  far  as  he  is  permitted,  will 
assault  our  peace;  but  he  is  a  vanquished  enemy; 
our  Lord  holds  him  in  a  chain,  and  sets  him  bounds 
which  he  cannot  pass.  He  provides  for  us  likewise 
the  whole  armor  of  God,  and  has  promised  to 
coyer  our  heads  himself  in  the  day  of  battle,  to 
bring  us  honorably  through  every  skirmish,  and  to 
make  us  more  than  conquerors  at  last, 

lyrODERATION  is  the  silken  string  running 
-L'-L  through  the  pearlchain  of  all  virtues.  —Fuller. 

IVTODESTY  is  to  merit,  as  shades  to  figures  in  a 
•^'J-  picture,  giving  it  strength  and  beauty.  —  ^fnt- 
yere. 

DEVOTION. 

fllHE  most  illiterate  man  who  is  touched  with 
•I-  devotion,  and  uses  frequent  exercises  of  it,  con- 


102  MISCELLANEOUS. 

tracts  a  certain  greatness  of  mind,  mingled  with  a 
noble  simplicity,  that  raises  him  above  those  of  the 
same  condition.  It  is  hardly  possible  it  should  be 
otherwise  ;  for  the  fervors  of  a  pious  mind  will 
naturally  contract  such  an  earnestness  and  atten- 
tion towards  a  better  beino-,  as  will  make  the  ordi- 
nary passages  of  life  go  off  with  becoming  indiffer- 
ence. By  this,  a  man  in  the  lowest  condition  will 
not  appear  mean,  or  in  the  most  splendid  fortune 
insolvent.  —  Johnson. 

TJEAVEN  tries  our  virtue  by  affliction; 

As. oft  the  cloud  that  wraps  the  present  hour 
Serves  but  to  lighten  all  our  future  days.  — Brown. 


THE    PRESENT    STATE. 

¥E  are  now  in  a  state  of  penance,  as  well  as  in 
a  state  of  trial  and  probation,  and  must  there- 
fore not  anticipate  our  reward  here,  but  be  exer- 
cised with  vanity  and  dissatisfaction,  which  is  tliat 
sore  travail  that  God  has  laid  upon  the  sons  of 
Adam,  who,  though  heirs  of  glory  and  born  to 
crowns  and  sceptres  in  the  other  world,  must  yet  in- 
herit only  dreams,  shadows,  and  vanities  in  this, 
wherein  all  that  cometh  is  vanity.  There  is  no  con- 
tent to  be  found  in  any  of  the  enjoyments  of  this 
world  :  let  a  man's  share  of  it  or  state  in  it  be  what  it 
will,  it  is  all  but  a  union  of  ciphers,  a  collection  of 
nothing,  not  worth  a  thought,  or  a  wish,  or  a  tear. 
Only  in  religion^  and  the  conscientious  discharge  of  one's 
duti/,  and  the  practice  of  a  good  life,  there  is  some  real 
content  and  true  satisfaction  to  be  had;  and  i\\Q  more 
we  improve  in  goodness,  the  more  happy  and  com- 
fortarbie  will  our  lives  be. 


MISCELLANEOUS. 


103 


TRUE   KNOWLEDGE. 

LET  no  man  be  dejected  at  the  want  of  those 
gifts  with  which  unsanctified  men  are  adorned. 
If  God  hath  taught  thee  the  evil  of  sin,  the  worth 
of  Christ,  the  necessity  of  regeneration,  the  mystery 
of  faith,  the  way  of  communion  with  God  in  duties, 
trouble  not  thyself  because  of  thine  ignorance  in 
natural  or  moral  things :  thou  hast  that  which  will 
bring  thee  to  heaven. 


WARNING. 

WHO  would  not  be  a  believer  in  Christ '?  Who 
would  not  be  at  peace  with  God  1  When 
such  are  the  privileges  of  righteousness,  the  priv- 
ileges through  life,  the  privileges  in  death,  the  won- 
der is  that  all  are  not  eager  to  close  with  the  offers 
of  the  gospel  and  make  those  privileges  their  own. 
Yet,  alas  !  the  ministers  of  Christ  have  to  exclaim 
with  the  prophet,  "  Who  hath  believed  our  report  ?  " 
and  with  Elihu,  "  None  saith.  Where  is  God  my 
Maker,  who  giveth  songs  in  the  night  1 "  There  may 
yet  be  moral  insensibility  in  some  now  addressed. 
What  shall  we  say  to  them  1  They  may  have 
youth  on  their  side,  and  health  and  plenty.  The 
sky  may  be  clear,  and  the  voice  of  joy  may  be  heard 
in  their  dwelling.  But  there  must  come  a  night, 
a  dreary  and  oppressive  night ;  for  youth  must  de- 
part, and  strength  be  enfeebled,  and  sorrow  en- 
countered, and  the  shadows  of  evening  fall  upon 
the  path.  And  what  will  they  do  then,  if  now,  as 
God  complains  by  his  prophet,  "  the  harp  and  the 
viol,  the  tabret  and  pipe,  and  wine  are  in  their 
feasts  ;  but  they  regard  not  the  work  of  the  Lord, 


104  MISCELLANEOUS. 

neither  consider  the  operation  of  his  hands"? 
They  may  have  their  song  now;  but  then  we  shall 
have  only  the  bitter  exclamation,  "  The  harvest  is 
past,  the  summer  is  ended,  and  we  are  not  saved." 
We  warn  you  in  time.  Though  the  firmament 
be  bright,  we  show  you  the  cloud,  small  as  a  man's 
hand,  already  rising  from  the  sea  ;  and  we  urge  you 
to  the  breaking  loose  from  habits  of  sin,  and  fleeing 
straightway  to  the  Mediator,  Christ.  It  is  for  baw- 
bles  which  they  despise  when  acquired,  wealth 
which  they  count  nothing  when  gained,  gratifica- 
tions which  they  loathe  so  soon  as  passed,  that  men 
sell  their  souls.  And  all  that  we  now  entreat  of 
the  young  is,  that  they  will  not,  in  the  spring  time 
of  life,  strike  this  foul  bargain.  In  the  name  of 
Him  who  made  you,  we  beseech  you  to  separate 
yourselves  at  once  from  evil  practices  and  evil 
associates,  lest  in  that  darkest  of  all  darkness, 
when  the  sun  is  to  be  "  black  as  sackcloth  of  hair," 
and  the  moon  as  blood,  and  the  stars  are  to  fall, 
you  may  utter  nothing  but  the  passionate  cry  of 
despair,  whilst  the  righteous  are  lifting  up  their 
heads  with  joy,  and  proving  that  they  have  trusted 
in   a  God  "  who   giveth   songs   in  the   night."  — 

CHRISTIAN    CHARITY. 

LET  the  love  of  your  brethren  be  as  a  fire  within 
you,  consuming  that  selfishness  that  is  so  con- 
trary to  it  and  is  so  natural  to  men ;  let  it  set  your 
thoughts  on  work  to  study  how  to  do  others  good  ; 
let  your  love  be  an  active  love,  intense  within  you. 
and  extending  itself  in  doing  good  to  the  souls  and 
bodies  of  your  brethren  as  they  need  and  you  are 
able.  —  Leighton, 


MISCELLANEOUS.  105 

HE  who   iiit Teases   the  endearments   of  life,  in- 
creases at  the  same  time  the  terrors  of  death. 

—  Young. 

THE  greatest  part  of  mankind  employ  their  first 
years  to  make  their  last  miserable. 

THE  million  covet  wealth  ;  but  how  few  dream 
of  its  perils !  Few  are  aware  of  the  extent  to 
which  it  ministers  to  the  baser  passions  of  our  na- 
ture ;  of  the  selfishness  it  engenders  ;  the  arrogance 
which  it  feeds  ;  the  self-security  which  it  inspires  ; 
the  damage  which  it  does  to  all  the  nobler  feelings 
and  holier  aspirations  of  the  heart. 

WHAT  we  are  afraid  to  do  before  men,  we  should 
be  afraid  to  think  before  God. 

THE  prospect  of  a  future  state  is  the  secret  com- 
fort and  refreshment  of  my  soul ;  it  is  that 
which  makes  nature  look  gay  about  me  ;  it  doubles 
all  my  pleasures  and  supports  me  under  all  my 
afflictions.  I  can  look  at  disappointments  and 
misfortunes,  pain  and  sickness,  death  itself,  and, 
what  is  worse  than  death,  the  loss  of  those  who  are 
dearest  to  me,  with  indifference,  so  long  as  I  keep 
in  view  the  pleasures  of  eternity  and  the  state  of 
being  in  which  there  will  be  no  fears  nor  apprehen- 
sions, pains  nor  sorrow,  sickness  nor   separation. 

—  Addison. 

11H0UGH  our  life  be  short  and  uncertain,  says 
-  Archbishop  Tillotson,  yet  it  is  a  great  deal  that 
we  may  do  by  way  of  preparation  for  another  world 
if  we  begin  and  set  out  betimes  and  be  good  hus- 
bands of  the  present  opportunities.     It  is  a  great 


106  MISCELLANEOUS. 

way  that  we  may  ^o  in  a  short  time  if  we  be  always 
moving  and  pressing  forward.  But  the  mischief  is, 
many  persons  pass  fifty  or  sixty  years  in  the  world, 
and  when  they  are  just  going  out  of  it  they  bethink 
themselves,  and  step  back,  as  it  were,  to  do  some- 
thing which  they  had  all  this  while  forgot;  namely, 
the  7nain  business  for  which  they  came  into  the 
W3rld  —  to  repent  of  their  sins,  and  reform  their 
lives,  and  make  th,eir  peace  with  God,  and  in  time 
to  prepare  for  eternity.  This,  which  is  forgotten 
and  deferred  to  the  last,  ought  to  have  been  first 
thought  of,  and  to  have  been  made  the  great  busi- 
ness of  their  whole  lives. 

HOW  great  and  honorable  is  the  privilege  of  a 
true  believer !  Though  weak  as  a  worm,  his 
arms  are  strengthened  by  the  mighty  God  of  Jacob, 
and  all  things  become  possible,  yea,  easy,  to  him 
that  occur  within  the  compass  of  his  proper  duty 
and  calling.  God  engages  to  proportion  his  grace 
to  his  need  of  it,  whether  it  be  a  day  of  service  or 
of  suffering ;  and  though  he  be  ftillible  and  short- 
sighted, exceeding  liable  to  mistake  and  imposition, 
yet  while  he  retains  a  sense  that  he  is  so,  and  with 
the  simplicity  of  a  child  asks  counsel  and  direction 
of  God,  he  seldom  takes  a  Avrong  step  ;  and  even 
his  inadvertencies  are  overruled  for  good.  If  he 
forgets  his  true  state  and  thinks  himself  to  be 
something,  he  presently  finds  he  is  indeed  nothing  ; 
but  if  he  is  content  to  be  nothing  and  to  have  noth- 
ing, he  is  sure  to  find  a  seasonable  and  abundant 
communication  of  all  that  he  wants.  Thus  he  lives, 
like  Israel  in  the  wilderness,  upon  mere  bounty; 
but  then  it  is  a  bounty  unchangeable,  unwearied, 
inexhaustible,  and  all-sufficient. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  107 

DEATH   BEFORE    LIFE. 

AS  we  die  to  nature  ere  we  live  in  glory,  so  we 
must  die  to  sin  ere  we  can  live  to  grace. 

PRAYER. 

A  S  my  greatest  business  is  for  God,  to  serve  him, 
•^  so  my  daily  business  is  with  God,  to  ask  him 
for  strength  to  do  it. 

rriO  coinplain  that  life  has  no  joys  while  there 
-L  is  a  single  creature  whom  we  can  relieve  by  our 
bounty,  assist  by  our  counsels,  or  enliven  by  our 
presence,  is  to  lament  the  loss  of  that  which  we 
possess,  and  is  just  as  rational  as  to  die  of  thirst 
with  the  cup  in  our  hands. 

TT  is  difficult  to  conceive  any  thing  more  beauti- 
i-  ful  than  the  reply  given  by  one  in  affliction 
when  he  was  asked  how  he  bore  it  so  well,  "  It  light- 
ens the  stroke,"  said  he,  "to  draw  near  to  Him  who 
handles  the  rod." 

rpHE  lofty  mountain  of  virtue  is  of  quite  a  contrary 
J-  make  to  all  other  mountains.  In  the  moun- 
tains of  the  earth  the  skirts  are  pleasant,  but  the 
tops  rough  ;  whereas  the  skirt  of  the  mountain  of 
virtue  is  harsh,  but  the  top  delicious.  He  who 
studies  to  come  at  it  meets  in  his  first  step  nothing 
but  stones,  briers,  and  thistles ;  but  the  roughness 
of  the  way  diminishes  as  he  proceeds  in  his  jour- 
ney, and  the  pleasure  of  it  increases,  until  at  length 
on  the  top  he  finds  nothing  but  beautiful  flowers, 
choice  plants,  and  crystal  fountains.  —  Tillotson. 


108 


MISCELLANEOUS. 


THE  certainty  that  life  cannot  be  long,  and  the 
probability  that  it  will  be  much  shorter  than 
nature  allows,  ought  to  waken  every  one  to  the 
active  prosecution  of  whatever  he  is  desirous  to 
perform.  It  is  true,  that  no  diligence  can  insure 
success;  death  may  intercept  the  swiftest  career; 
but  he  who  is  cut  off  in  the  execution  of  an  honest 
undertaking  has,  at  least,  the  honor  of  falling  in 
his  rank,  and  has  fought  the  battle,  though  he 
missed  the  victory.  —  Johnson. 


MYSTERY. 

MOST  men  take  least  notice  of  what  is  plain^  as 
if  that  were  of  no  use ;  but  puzzle  their  thoughts 
and  lose  themselves  in  those  vast  depths  and  abyss- 
es which  no  human  understanding  can  fathom. — 

Sherlock. 

OUR  real  blessings,  says  Addison,  often  appear  to 
us  in  the  shape  of  pains,  losses,  and  disappoint- 
ments ;  but  let  us  have  patience,  and  we  soon  shall 
see  them  in  their  proper  figures. 

fllHE  assurance  that  this  is  a  state  of  probation, 
J-  should  give  vigor  to  virtue  and  solemnity  to 
truth.  Every  hour  assumes  a  fearful  responsibility 
when  we  view  it  as  the  culterer  of  an  immortal  har- 
vest. —  Sigourney. 

PROPERTY  left  to  a  child  may  soon  be  lost; 
but  the  inheritance  of  virtue.,  a  good  name,  an  un- 
blemished reputation,  will  abide  forever.  If  those 
who  are  toiling  for  wealth  to  leave  their  children 
would  but  take  half  the  pains  to  secure  for  them 
virtuous  habits,  how  much  more  serviceable  would 


MISCELLANEOUS.  109 

they  be !  The  largest  property  may  be  wrested 
from  a  child :  but  virtue  will  stand  by  him  to  the 
last. 

I"' HE  contemplation  of  the  divine  Being  and  the 
-  exercise  of  virtue  are,  in  their  nature,  so  far 
from  excluding  all  gladness  of  heart  that  they  are 
perpetual  sources  of  it.  In  a  word,  the  true  spirit 
of  religion  cheers  as  well  as  composes  the  soul.  It 
banishes,  indeed,  all  levity  of  behavior,  all  vicious 
and  dissolute  mirth,  but,  in  exchange,  fills  the  mind 
with  perpetual  serenity,  uninterrupted  cheerfulness, 
and  an  habitual  inclination  to  please  others  as  well 
as  to  be  pleased  in  itself.  —  Spectator 

OF  what  unspeakable  importance  is  her  education 
who  gives  lessons  before  any  other  instructor*, 
who  preoccupies  the  unwritten  page  of  being ;  who 
produces  impressions  which  death  only  can  obliter- 
ate, and  mingles  in  the  cradle  dream  what  shall  be 
read  in  eternity ! 

TRIALS. 

rjIHE  greatness  of  our  trials  should  be  estimated 
J-  rather  by  the  impression  they  make  upon  our 
spirits  than  by  their  outward  appearance.  The 
smallest  will  be  too  heavy  for  us  if  we  are  left  to 
grapple  with  it  in  our  own  strength,  or  rather  weak- 
ness ;  and  if  God  is  pleased  to  put  forth  his  power, 
he  can  make  the  heaviest  light.  A  lively  impres- 
sion of  his  love,  or  of  our  Savior's  sufferings  for  us, 
or  of  the  glories  within  the  veil,  accompanied  with 
a  due  sense  of  the  misery  from  which  we  are  re- 
deemed,—  these  thoughts  will  enable  us  to  be  not 
only  submissive,  but  even  joyful,  in  tribulations 
When  faith  is  in  exercise,  though  the  flesh  will 


110 


MISCELLANEOUS. 


have  its  feelincrs,  the  spirit  will  triumph  over  them. 
But  it  is  needful  that  we  should  know  that  we  have 
no  sufficiency  in  ourselves ;  and,  in  order  to  know 
it,  we  must  yeeZ  it;  and  therefore  God  sometimes 
withdraws  his  sensible  influence,  and  then  the  buzz- 
ing of  a  fl_y  will  be  an  overmatch  for  our  patience ; 
at  other  times  he  will  show  what  he  can  do  in 
us,  and  for  us  ;  and  then  we  can  say  in  the  apostle's 
words,  "  I  can  do  and  suffer  all  things  through 
Christ  strengthening  me."  He  has  said,  "  My  grace 
is  sufficient  for  thee."  It  is  observed  that  the  chil- 
dren of  God  seldom  disappoint  our  expectations 
under  great  trials ;  if  they  show  a  wrongness  of 
spirit,  it  is  usually  in  such  little  incidents  that  we 
are  ready  to  wonder  at  them,  for  which  two  reasons 
may  be  readily  assigned.  When  great  trials  are 
in  view  we  repair  immediately  to  our  all-sufficient 
Friend,  feel  our  dependence,  and  pray  earnestly  for 
help  ;  but  if  the  occasion  seems  small,  we  are  too  apt 
to  secretly  lean  to  our  own  wisdom  and  strength, 
as  if  in  such  slight  matters  we  could  act  effectually 
without  his  aid.     Therefore  in  these  we  often  fail. 

VALUE   OP   TIME. 

Throw  years  away  ? 

Throw  empires,  and  be  blameless.    Moments  seize. 
Heaven's  on.  the  wing :  a  moment  we  may  wish 
When  worlds  want  wealth  to  buy. 


THE    LAW. 


TO  preach  up  justification  by  the  law  as  a.  covenant 
is  legal,  and  makes  void  the  death  and  merits 
of  Christ ;  but  to  preach  obedience  to  the  law  as  a 


MISCELLAKEOUS.  Ill 

ride  is  evangelical ;  and  it  savors  as  much  of  a  New 
Testament  spirit,  as  they  phrase  it,  to  urge  the 
commands  of  the  law  as  to  display  the  promises  of 
the  gospel.  Our  obedience  to  it  is  the  only  sound 
evidence  we  can  have  for  our  right  to  the  promises 
of  the  gospel ;  and  without  a  universal  obedience 
in  the  whole  course  of  our  lives,  all  our  joys,  and 
comforts,  and  expectations  of  heaven  are  but  splen- 
did delusions  and  enthusiastical  dreams. 

REPENTANCE. 

THE  abandonment  of  certain  vicious  practices, 
and  a  breaking  loose  from  habits  which  have 
held  the  soul  in  bondage,  are  not  the  whole  of  true 
repentance.  Long  ere  the  man  thinks  of  applying 
to  Christ,  and  whilst  almost  a  stranger  to  his  name, 
he  may  make  a  great  advance  in  reformation  of  con- 
duct, renouncing  much  which  his  conscience  has  de* 
clared  wrong,  and  entering  upon  duties  of  which 
he  has  been  neglectful.  But  this  comes  far  short 
of  that  thorough  moral  change  Avhich  is  intend- 
ed by  the  inspired  writers  when  they  speak  of  re- 
pentance. The  outward  conduct  may  be  amended 
whilst  no  attack  is  made  on  the  love  of  sin  as  seat- 
ed in  the  heart;  so  that  the  change  may  be  alto- 
gether on  the  surface,  and  extend  not  to  the  affec- 
tions of  the  inner  man.  But  the  repentance  re- 
quired of  those  who  are  forgiven  thi'ough  Christ 
is  a  radical  change  of  mind  and  of  spirit  —  a  change 
which  will  be  made  apparent  by  a  corresponding  in 
the  outward  deportment,  but  whose  great  scene  is 
within,  and  which  there  affects  every  power  and 
propensity  of  our  nature.  And  a  repentance  such 
as  this,  seeing  it  manifestly  lies  beyond  the  reach 
of  our  own  strivings,  is  only  to  be  obtained  from 


112  MISCELLANEOUS. 

Christ,  who  ascended  up  on  high  and  "  received 
gifts  for  the  rebellious,"  becoming,  in  his  exalta- 
tion, the  source  and  dispenser  of  those  various 
assistances  Avhich  fallen  beings  need  as  probationers 
for  eternity. 

What,  then,  is  it  which  a  man  has  to  do  who  is 
desirous  of  becoming  truly  repentant  ?  We  reply, 
that  he  is  to  go  in  earnest  prayer  to  Christ  for  the 
aids  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  Of  course  we  do  not 
mean  that  he  is  to  confine  himself  to  prayer  and 
make  no  effort  at  correcting  what  may  be  wrong 
in  his  conduct.  The  sincerity  of  his  prayer  can 
only  be  proved  by  the  vigor  of  his  endeavor  to 
obey  God's  commands.  But  we  mean,  that,  along 
with  his  strenuousness  in  renouncing  evil  habits 
and  associations,  there  must  be  an  abiding  persua- 
sion that  repentance,  as  well  as  forgiveness,  is  to 
be  procured  through  nothing  but  the  atoning  sacri- 
fice of  Christ ;  and  this  persuasion  must  make  him 
unwearied  in  entreaty  that  Christ  would  send  into 
his  soul  the  renovating  power.  It  may  be  urged 
that  Christ  pardons  none  but  the  penitent ;  but  our 
statement  rather  is,  that  those  whom  he  pardons  he 
first  makes  penitent. 

And  shall  we  be  told  that  we  thus  reduce  man 
below  the  level  of  an  intelligent,  accountable  be- 
ing, making  him  altogether  passive,  and  allotting 
him  no  task  in  the  struggle  for  immortality  1  We 
throw  back  the  accusation  as  altogether  unfounded. 
We  call  upon  man  for  the  stretch  of  every  muscle 
and  the  strain  of  every  power.  As  to  his  being 
saved  in  indolence,  saved  in  inactivity,  he  may  as 
well  look  for  harvest  where  he  has  never  sown  and 
for  knowledge  where  he  has  never  studied.  Is  it  to 
be  an  idler,  is  it  to  be  a  sluggard,  to  have  to  keep 
down   that    pride   which   would    keep    him   from 


MISCELLANEOUS.  113 

Christ,  to  be  wrestling  with  those  passions  which 
the  light  that  is  in  him  shows  must  be  mortified, 
to  be  unwearied  in  petition  for  the  assistances  of 
the  Spirit,  and  in  using  such  helps  as  have  been 
already  vouchsafed  ?  If  this  be  idleness,  that  man 
is  an  idler  who  is  actuated  by  the  consciousness 
that  he  can  no  more  repent  than  be  pardoned  with- 
out Christ.  But  if  it  be  to  task  a  man  to  the  utmost 
of  his  energy  to  prescribe  that  he  go  straightway  for 
every  thing  which  he  needs  to  an  invisible  Medi- 
atoi',  —  go,  in  spite  of  the  opposition  of  the  flesh  ; 
go,  though  the  path  lies  thi-ough  resisting  inclina- 
tions ;  go,  though  in  going  he  must  abase  himself 
in  the  dust  and  proclaim  his  ov/n  nothingness,  — 
then  we  are  exhorting  the  impenitent  to  the  mighti- 
est of  labors  when  we  exhort  them  to  seek  repent- 
ance as  Christ's  gift.  The  assigning  its  true  place 
to  repentance,  —  the  desti*oying  the  notion  that  re- 
pentance is  to  be  effected  for  ourselves,  and  then  to 
recommend  us  to  the  Savior,  —  this,  in  place  of  tell- 
ing men  that  they  have  little  or  nothing  to  do,  is  the 
urging  them  to  diligence  by  showing  how  it  may 
be  successful ;  and  to  effort,  by  pointing  out  the 
only  channel  through  which  it  car  prevail. 

REPENTANCE  —  ITS  PROPER  PLACE. 

THERE  are  few  duties  to  which  men  are  more 
frequently  urged,  and  in  regard  to  which,  never- 
theless, they  are  more  likely  to  be  deceived,  than 
the  great  duty  of  repentance.  It  is  of  the  first 
importance  that  the  exact  place  and  nature  of  this 
duty  should  be  accurately  defined ;  for  so  long  as 
there  is  any  thing  of  misapprehension  or  mistake 
in  regard  to  repentance,  there  can  be  no  full  appre- 
ciation of  the  proffered  mercies  of  the  gospel.  It 
8 


114 


MISCELLANEOUS. 


seems  to  be  too  common  an  opinion  that  repent- 
ance is  a  kind  of  preparation,  or  preliminary,  which 
men  are  in  a  great  degree  to  effect  for  themselves 
before  they  can  go  to  Christ  as  a  mediator  and 
propitiation.  Repentance  is  regarded  as  a  some- 
thing which  they  have  to  do,  a  condition  they  have 
to  perform,  in  order  that  they  may  be  fitted  to  ap- 
ply to  the  Redeemer  and  ask  a  share  in  the  bless- 
ings which  he  purchased  for  mankind.  We  do  not, 
of  course,  deny  that  there  must  be  repentance  be- 
fore there  can  be  forgiveness,  and  that  it  is  only  to 
the  broken  and  contrite  heart  that  Christ  extends 
the  fruits  of  his  passion.  We  say  to  every  man 
who  may  be  inquiring  as  to  the  pardon  of  sin, 
Except  you  repent,  you  cannot  be  forgiven.  But 
the  question  is,  whether  a  man  must  wait  till  he 
has  repented  before  he  applies  to  Christ ;  whether 
repentance  is  a  preliminary  which  he  has  to  effect 
ere  he  may  venture  to  seek  a  Mediator.  And  it 
is  here,  as  we  think,  that  the  mistake  lies — a  mistake 
which  turns  repentance  into  a  kind  of  obstacle 
between  the  sinner  and  Christ. 

The  scriptural  doctrine  in  regard  to  repentance 
is  not,  that  a  man  must  repent  in  order  to  his  be- 
ing qualified  to  go  to  Christ ;  it  is,  rather,  that  he 
must  go  to  Christ  in  order  to  his  being  enabled  to 
repent.  And  the  difference  between  these  proposi- 
tions is  manifest  and  fundamental.  There  would 
be  no  virtue  in  our  repentance,  even  if  we  could 
repent  of  ourselves,  to  recommend  us  to  the  favor 
of  the  Redeemer  ;  but  there  goes  forth  virtue  from 
the  Redeemer  himself,  strengthening  us  for  that 
repentance  which  is  alone  genuine  and  acceptable. 
St.  Peter  sufficiently  laid  down  this  doctrine  when 
he  said  of  Christ  to  the  high  priest  and  Sadducees, 
"  Him  hath  God  exalted  with  his  right  hand  to  be  a 


MISCELLANEOUS.  115 

Prince  and  a  Savior,  for  to  give  repentance  to 
Israel  and  forgiveness  of  sins."  Here  repentance 
is  stated  to  be  as  much  the  gift  of  tlie  glorified 
Christ  as  forgiveness  —  a  statement  inconsistent 
with  the  notion  that  repentance  is  something 
which  must  be  effected  without  Christ,  as  a  ground 
on  which  to  rest  our  application  to  him  for  pardon. 
We  rather  gather  from  these  words  of  the  apostle, 
that  we  can  no  more  repent  without  Christ  than  be 
pardoned  without  Christ:  from  him  comes  the 
grace  of  contrition  as  well  as  the  cleansing  of 
expiation. —  Melvill. 

A   DYING   NOBLEMAN. 

THE  following  letter,  written  by  a  nobleman  upon 
his  death  bed  to  an  intimate  companion,  is  a 
deeply  affecting  and  mournful  commentary  upon 
the  consequences  of  the  neglect  of  religion  and  a 
prevailing  spirit  of  worldliness.  In  his  letter  he 
says,  — 

"  Before  you  receive  this  my  final  state  will  be 
determined  by  the  Judge  of  all  the  earth.  In  a  few 
days  at  most  the  inevitable  sentence  will  be  passed 
that  shall  raise  me  to  the  heights  of  happiness,  or 
sink  me  to  the  depths  of  misery.  While  you  read 
these  lines  I  shall  be  either  groaning  under  the 
agonies  of  absolute  despair,  or  triumphing  in  the 
fulness  of  joy. 

"  It  is  impossible  for  me  to  express  the  present 
disposition  of  my  soul  —  the  vast  uncertainty  I  am 
struggling  with.  No  words  can  paint  the  force 
and  vivacity  of  my  apprehensions.  Every  doubt 
wears  the  face  of  horror,  and  would  perfectly  over- 
whelm me  but  for  some  faint  beams  of  hope  which 
dart  across  the  tremendous  gloom.     What  tongue 


116  MISCELLANEOUS. 

can  utter  the  anguish  of  a  soul  suspended  between 
the  extremes  of  infinite  joy  and  eternal  misery  1 
I  am  throwing  my  last  stake  for  eternity,  and  shud- 
der for  the  important  event. 

"  Good  God !  how  have  I  employed  myself? 
What  enchantment  hath  held  me  ?  In  what  delir- 
ium hath  my  life  been  past  1  What  have  I  been 
doing,  while  the  sun  in  its  race,  and  the  stars  in 
their  courses,  have  lent  their  beams,  perhaps,  only 
to  light  me  to  perdition  ? 

"  I  have  never  awakened  till  now.  I  have  but 
just  commenced  the  dignity  of  a  rational  being. 
Till  this  instant  I  had  a  wrong  apprehension  of 
every  thing  in  nature.  I  have  pursued  shadows 
and  entertained  myself  with  dreams.  I  have  been 
treasuring  up  dust  and  sporting  myself  with  the 
wind.  I  look  back  on  my  past  life,  and,  but  for 
some  memorials  of  guilt  and  infamy,  it  is  all  a 
blank  —  a  perfect  vacancy.  I  might  have  grazed 
with  the  beasts  of  the  field  or  sung  v/ith  the  winged 
inhabitants  of  the  woods  to  much  better  purpose 
than  any  for  which  I  have  lived.  And  0,  but  for 
some  faint  hope,  a  thousand  times  more  blessed 
had  I  been  to  have  slept  with  the  clods  of  the  val- 
ley and  never  heard  the  Almighty's  fiat  nor  waked 
into  life  at  his  command. 

"  I  never  had  a  just  apprehension  of  the  solemni- 
ty of  the  part  I  am  to  act  till  now.  I  have  often 
met  death  insulting  on  the  hostile  plain,  and  with 
a  stupid  boast  defied  its  terrors  :  with  a  courage  as 
brutal  as  that  of  the  warlike  horse  I  have  rushed 
into  the  battle,  laughed  at  the  glittering  spear,  and 
rejoiced  at  the  sound  of  the  trumpet ,  nor  had  I  a 
thought  of  the  grave,  nor  of  the  great  tribunal  to 
which  I  must  have  been  summoned,  — 

'  Where  all  my  secret  guilt  had  been  revealed, 
Nor  the  minutest  circumstance  concealed.' 


MISCELLANEOUS.  117 

It  is  this  which  arms  death  with  all  its  teiTors  ; 
else  I  could  mock  at  fear,  and  smile  in  the  face  of 
the  gloomy  monarch.  It  is  not  giving  up  my 
breath. ;  it  is  the  terrible  hereafter,  the  something  be- 
yond the  grave,  at  which  I  recoil.  Those  great 
realities  which,  in  the  hours  of  mirth  and  vanity, 
I  have  treated  as  phantoms,  as  the  idle  dreams  of 
superstitious  beings, — these  start  forth,  and  dare 
me  now  in  their  most  terrible  demonstrations.  My 
awakened  conscience  feels  something  of  that  eter- 
nal vengeance  I  have  often  defied. 

"  To  what  heights  of  madness  is  it  possible  for 
human  nature  to  reach !  What  extravagance  is  it 
to  jest  with  death,  to  laugh  at  damnation,  to  sport 
with  eternal  chains,  and  recreate  a  jovial  fancy 
with  the  scenes  of  infernal  misery  ! 

"  Were  there  no  impiety  in  this  kind  of  mirth,  it 
would  be  as  ill  bred  as  to  entertain  a  dying  friend 
with  the  sight  of  a  harlequin  or  the  rehearsal  of  a 
play.  Every  thing  in  nature  seems  to  reproach 
this  levity  in  human  creatures.  The  whole  creation, 
man  excepted,  is  serious  —  man,  who  has  the 
highest  reason  to  be  so,  while  he  has  affairs  of  in- 
finite consequence  depending  on  this  short,  uncer- 
tain duration.  A  condemned  wretch  may,  with  as 
good  a  grace,  go  dancing  to  his  execution,  as  the 
greatest  part  of  mankind  go  on  with  such  a  thought- 
less gayety  to  their  graves. 

"  O  my  friend,  with  what  horror  do  I  recall 
those  hours  of  vanity  we  have  wasted  together  ! 
Return,  ye  long-neglected  moments.!  How  should 
I  prize  you  above  the  Eastern  treasures  !  Let  me 
dwell  with  hermits,  let  me  rest  on  the  cold  earth, 
let  me  converse  in  cottages,  may  I  but  once  more 
stand  a  candidate  for  an  immortal  crown  and  have 
my  probation  for  celestial  happiness. 


118  MISCELLANEOUS. 

"  Ye  vain  grandeurs  of  a  court,  ye  sounding 
titles  and  perishing  riches,  AvUat  do  ye  now  signify? 
Wiiat  consolation,  what  relief,  can  ye  give  me  ?  I 
have  a  splendid  passage  to  tiie  grave  ;  I  die  in 
state,  and  languish  under  a  gilded  canopy  ;  I  am 
expiring  on  soft  and  downy  pillows,  and  am  respect- 
fully attended  by  my  servants  and  physicians;  my 
dependants  sigh,  my  sisters  weep,  my  father  bends 
beneath  a  load  of  years  and  grief;  my  lovely  wife, 
pale  and  silent,  conceals  her  inward  anguish  ;  my 
friend,  who  was  as  my  own  soul,  suppresses  his 
sighs,  and  leaves  me  to  hide  his  secret  grief.  But 
O,  which  of  these  will  answer  my  summons  at 
the  great  tribunal  ?  Which  of  them  will  bail  me 
from  the  arrest  of  death  ?  Who  will  descend  into 
the  dark  prison  of  the  grave  for  me  1 

'•  Hei'e  they  all  leave  me,  after  paying  a  few  idle 
ceremonies  to  the  breathless  clay,  which  perhaps 
may  lie  reposed  in  state,  while  my  soul  —  my  only 
conscious  part  —  may  stand  trembling  before  ray 
Judge. 

"  My  afflicted  friends,  it  is  very  probable,  will 
lay  the  senseless  corpse  in  a  stately  monument,  in- 
scribed with,  — 

'  Here  lies  the  great ' 


but  could  the  pale  carcass  speak,  it  would  soon 
reply,  — 

'  False  marble,  where  ? 

Nothing  but  poor  and  sordid  dust  lies  here.' 

"  While  some  flattering  panegyric  is  pronounced 
at  my  interment,  I  may  perhaps  be  hearing  my 
just  condemnation  at  a  superior  tribunal,  where  an 
unerring  verdict  may  sentence  me  to  everlasting 
infamy.      But   I   cast   myself  on  God's   absolute 


MISCELLANEOUS.  119 

mercy,  through  the  infinite  merits  of  my  Redeemer. 
Adieu  till  we  meet  in  the  world  of  spirits." 

BELIEVER  PROFITED  BT  THE  EXPERIENCE  OF 
OTHERS. 

LET  a  man  be  a  believer  in  Christ,  and  every 
day  of  his  life  will  bring  him  intelligence,  from 
external  testimony,  of  the  worth  of  the  Being  on 
whom  he  fastens  his  faith.  The  witnesses  who 
stand  out  and  attest  the  excellences  of  the  Media- 
tor occupy  the  whole  scale  of  intelligence,  from 
the  Creator  downwards,  through  every  rank  of  the 
creature.  The  man  of  faith  hears  the  Father  him- 
self bearing  testimony  by  a  voice  from  heaven. 
"  This  is  my  beloved  Son,  in  whom  I  am  ivell  pleased.''^ 
He  hears  angels  and  archangels  lauding  and  mag- 
nifying Christ's  glorious  name ;  for  do  not  the 
winged  hierarchies  of  heaven  bow  to  him  the  knee, 
and  that,  too,  as  the  consequence  of  his  work  of 
mediation  ?  He  hears  patriarchs  who  lived  in  the 
infancy  of  the  world ;  prophets  who  took  up  in 
succession  the  mighty  strain,  and  sent  it  on  from 
century  to  century ;  apostles  who  went  out  to  the 
battle  with  idolatry,  and  counted  not  their  lives  dear 
to  them,  so  that  they  might  plant  the  cross  amid 
the  wilds  of  superstition.  He  hears  all  these  with 
one  heart  and  one  voice  witnessing  to  Jesus  as 
the  Son  of  the  Highest,  the  Savior  of  the  lost 
And  he  hears,  moreover,  the  martyrs  and  the  con 
fessors  of  every  generation  ;  the  saints  who  have 
held  fast  their  allegiance  on  the  rack  and  in  the 
furnace ;  the  noble  champions  who  have  risen  up 
in  the  days  of  a  declining  church  and  shed  their 
blood  like  water  in  defence  of  the  purity  of  doc- 
trine ;  he  hears  the  men  of  whom  the  world  was  not 


120 


MISCELLANEOUS. 


loorthy  uttering  an  unflinching  attestation  to  the 
willingness  and  ability  of  Christ  to  succor  those 
who  give  themselves  to  his  service.  And  he  hears, 
finally,  a  voice  from  the  thousands  who,  in  more 
private  stations,  have  taken  Christ  as  their  Lord 
and  their  God  ;  who,  in  dependence  on  his  might, 
have  gone  unobtrusively  through  duty  and  trial, 
and  then  have  lain  down  on  the  death  bed  and 
worn  a  smile  amid  the  decayings  of  the  body ; 
and  this  voice  bears  witness  that  He  in  ivhom  they 
have  trusted  has  proved  himself  all-sufficient  to 
deliver.  And  if  we  do  right  in  arguing  that  there 
is  poured  in  gradually  upon  a  believer  this  scarcely 
measurable  evidence  to  the  power  and  faithfulness 
of  Christ,  will  it  not  come  to  pass  that  he  grows 
every  day  more  acquainted  with  the  excellences 
of  the  Savior,  so  that,  by  gathering  in  from  the 
accumulated  stores  of  the  testimony  of  others,  he 
will  be  able,  with  a  continually  strengthening  as- 
surance, to  declare,  I  know  whom  I  have  believed 'i 


JUSTIFICATION. 

SOME  men  will  speak  of  being  justified  by  faith 
till  they  come  to  ascribe  merit  to  faith.  "  By 
faith  "  is  interpreted  as  though  it  meant  on  account 
of  faith  ^  and  thus  the  great  truth  is  lost  sight  of, 
that  we  are  justified  freely  "  through  the  redemp- 
tion that  is  in  Christ."  But  how  can  faith  be  a 
meritorious  act  ?  What  is  faith  but  such  an  assent 
of  the  understanding  to  God's  word  as  binds  the 
heart  to  God's  service  'i  And  whose  is  the  under- 
standing if  it  be  not  God's  1  Whose  is  the  heart  if 
it  be  not  God's  ?  And  if  faith  be  nothing  but  the 
rendering  to  God  that  intellect  and  that  energy 
which  we  have  received  from  him,  how  can  faith 


MISCELLANEOUS.  121 

deserve  of  God  ?  O,  as  with  repentance,  so  with 
faith.  Away  with  the  notion  of  merit !  He  who  be- 
lieves so  that  he  can  dare  the  grave  and  grasp  eterni- 
ty must  pour  forth  the  confession.  "  All  things  come 
of  thee ;  and  of  thine  oion,  0  God,  do  I  give  thee." 
—  3felvilL 

rpiIE  cross,  once  seen,  is  death  to  every  vice ; 

Else  He  that  hung  there  suffered  all  his  pain, 
Bled,  groaned,  and  agonized  and  died,  in  vain. 

THERE  is  no  mind  truly  good  but  that  wherein 
Christ  dwells. 

HUMILITY. 

0  CHRISTIAN,  the  more  eminent  thy  grace^, 
are,  the  more  need  hast  thou  to  pray  and  strive 
for  humility.  The  tallest  cedars  have  need  of  the 
deepest  roots,  otherwise  the  storms  and  winds  will 
easily  overturn  them  ;  so  truly,  the  higher  any 
grow,  the  more  they  spread  and  flourish.  Being 
like  the  cedars  of  God,  beautiful  in  their  leaves 
and  plentiful  in  their  sap,  the  more  need  they 
have  to  be  rooted  in  humility ;  or  else,  believe  it, 
the  wind  and  tempest  of  temptations,  to  which  they 
stand  more  exposed  than  others,  will  not  only 
sorely  shake  them,  but  utterly  overturn  them  ;  when 
those  whom  they  despise  as  mean  shrubs  shall 
stand  secure,  and  with  a  tender  pity  weep  over 
their  fall. 

THE  doctrine  of  the  crucifixion  is  eminently 
the  power  of  God;  because  it  is  the  only  doctrine 
which,  being  accompanied  by  the  Holy  Spirit, 
changes    the   heart,  overcomes   the   customs   and 


122  MISCELLANEOUS. 

prejudices  and  lusts  of  men,  brings  them  to  re- 
pentance for  sin,  and  to  faith  in  the  atonement  of 
Cin-ist  for  pardon  and  justification  ;  which  sancti- 
fies and  purities  the  affections  of  life,  produces  the 
real  love  of  God,  consoles  and  supports  us  under 
trouble,  strengthens  us  under  fears  and  weaknesses, 
and  carries  us  undismayed  through  the  terrors 
of  death.  Every  true  Christian  is  crucified  with 
Christ,  and  has  the  power  of  Christ  resting  upon  him. 
They  know   the   power  of   the   cross  in  its 

ACTUAL     INFLUENCE      ON      THEIR     HEARTS     AND 

LIVES.  And  this  influence  is  the  most  astonishing 
power  of  its  virtue. 

IT  is  an  important  fact,  that  for  many  years  the 
Moravian  missionaries  had  labored  in  Green- 
land, but  all  to  no  purpose.  They  began  by  instruct- 
ing the  ignorant  natives  in  the  principles  of  natural 
religion  —  the  existence  of  a  God  —  the  creation 
of  the  world  —  the  government  of  all  things  by  a 
providence  :  but  no  success  attended  their  efforts. 
All  was  vain  till  they  came  to  speak  of  Christ :  then 
their  attention  was  arrested,  and  the  first  tear  was 
seen  to  trickle  down  their  cheeks ;  and  then,  for 
the  first  time,  their  hearts,  which  before  were  cold 
as  the  snows  on  which  they  trod,  were  warmed 
with  the  rays  of  divine  love  ;  and  at  the  sight  of  a 
crucified  Redeemer  there  then  arose  amidst  the  icy 
mountains  of  Greenland  to  the  throne  of  God  the 
song  of  "  Moses  and  the  Lamb."  Yes,  Christ  cru- 
cified is  THE  POWER  OF  GOD  UNTO  SALVATION. 

AFFLICTIONS. 

THE  gospel  of  Christ  does   not  promise   to  its 
followers  any  exemption  from  the  calamities  of 


MISCELLAKEOUS. 


123 


life.  It  promises  us  happiness  in  heaven  and  many 
joys  in  the  road  which  leads  to  it ;  but  at  the  same 
time  it  plainly  tells  us  that  this  road  is  a  path  of 
trial.  All  the  saints  are  indeed  described  as  re- 
joicing; but  then  they  are  said  to  be  •'  Rejoicing  in 
tribulation."  Their  nearness  to  God  has  neither 
removed  calamity  from  them  nor  blunted  their  feel- 
ings when  smarting  under  it.  Who,  then,  are  we, 
that  some  special  exemption  should  be  made  in 
our  favor  ?  David,  and  Paul,  and  every  other 
saint  have  drank  of  the  cup  of  sorrow  ;  why,  then, 
should  we  expect  that  it  should  be  withheld  from 
our  lips  1  Have  we  deserved  it  less  than  they,*or 
do  we  need  it  less  ?  Have  we  fewer  sins  to  be  sub- 
dued, less  pride,  less  self-dependence,  less  earthly 
mindedness  to  be  rooted  out  ?  Tribulation  is  the 
portion  of  all,  and  it  must  be  ours  also.  Our  Sa- 
vior tells  us  so.  "  In  the  world,"  says  he,  '*  ye  shall 
have  tribulation."  Let  us,  then,  prepare  to  meet  our 
trials ;  and  not  only  so,  but  to  welcome  them  with 
joy.  They  are  designed  to  help  us  forward  in  our 
course,  to  lead  us  on  in  the  road  which  will  conduct 
us  to  heaven  and  to  prepare  us  for  it.  "  Our  light 
affliction,"  says  one  who  experienced  much  severer 
tnals  than  ever  fell  to  the  lot  of  any  of  us,  —  "  our 
light  affliction,  which  is  but  for  a  moment,  worketh 
for  us  a  far  more  exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of 
glory." 


I 


N  all  afflictions,  labor  to  think  well  of  God  and 
ill  of  yourselves. 


TAKE  all  afflictions  as  tokens  of  God's  love  to 
thee  and  trials  of  thy  love  to  him,  and  purposes 
of  kindness  to  enrich  thee  and  to  increase  more 
plentifully  in  thee  his  blessed  gifts  and  spiritual 
graces. 


124  MISCELLANEOUS. 


HOPE. 


W 


HAT  would  the  life  of  man  be  without  hope  ? 
Eemove  it,  and  you  take  away  at  once  the  rel- 
ish of  prosperity  and  the  support  and  solace  of  ad- 
versity. Let  the  tide  of  prosperity  run  ever  so 
high  and  flow  with  unebbin>g  fulness  ever  so  long, 
if  the  hope  of  its  continuance  be  destroyed  it  is 
instantly  deprived  of  all  its  power  to  satisfy.  Let 
the  prosperous  man  be  certainly  assured  that  his 
prosperity  is  to  last  but  one  day  longer,  —  that  at  the 
close  of  so  short  a  time  its  springs  are  to  be  dried 
up*  and  he  is  to  be  left  in  all  the  dreariness  of  uni- 
versal desolation,  —  wotild  that  day,  think  you,  be 
enjoyed  by  him  1  No ;  the  extinction  of  hope 
would  be  the  extinction  of  joy.  And  O,  what 
would  adversity  be  without  hope  1  This  is  the  last 
lingering  light  of  the  human  bosom  that  continues 
to  shine  when  every  other  has  been  extinguished. 
Quench  it,  and  the  gloom  of  affliction  becomes  the 
very  blackne^  of  darkness  —  cheerless  and  impen- 
etrable. 

CHARITY. 

THE  disposition  to  give  without  the  ability  is  re- 
ceived of  God  according  to  what  a  man  hath, 
and  not  according  to  what  he  hath  not.  If  our 
hearts  be  inspired  with  true  charity,  then,  though 
we  give  but  a  crust  of  bread  or  the  widow's  mite, 
it  is  accepted  of  God,  and  is  more  in  proportion  to 
a  poor  individual  than  the  gifts  of  the  most  opulent 
on  earth.  *  *  =*  If  there  is  one  object  more  than 
another  that  calls  for  the  profoundest  pity,  it  is  not 
the  poor  man  who  has  the  heart  but  not  the  hand 
to  give,  but  it  is  the  rich  man  who  has  the  hand  to 
give  but  not  the  heart.   He  is  the  poor  man  —  poor 


MISCELLANEOUS.  125 

in  the  sight  of  angels,  poor  in  the  eyes  of  God, 
poor  for  eternity. 

RICHARD    BAXTER. 

WHEN  this  great  and  good  rnan  drew  near  the 
condusion  of  life,  his  last  hours  wei*e  spent  in 
preparing  others  and  himself  to  appear  before  God. 
He  said  to  his  friends  that  visited  him,  "  You  come 
hither  to  learn  to  die ;  I  can  assure  you  that  your 
whole  life,  be  it  ever  so  long,  is  little  enough  to 
prepare  for  death.  Have  a  care  of  this  vain,  deceit- 
ful world,  and  the  lusts  of  the  flesh.  Be  sure  you 
choose  God  for  your  portion,  heaven  for  your 
home,  God's  glory  for  your  end.  his  word  for  your 
rule,  and  then  you  need  never  fear  but  we  shall 
meet  with  comfort."  Never  was  a  penitent  sinner 
more  humble  in  debasing  himself:  never  was  a  sin- 
cere believer  more  calm  and  comfortable.  Many 
times  he  prayed,  "  God  be  merciful  to  me  a  sinner ! " 
and  blessed  God  that  this  was  left  upon  record  as 
an  effectual  prayer.  He  said,  "  God  may  justly 
condemn  me  for  the  best  duty  I  ever  did,  and  all 
my  hopes  are  from  the  free  mercy  of  God  in 
Christ ;  "  which  he  often  prayed  for.  After  a  slum- 
ber he  waked  and  said,  "  I  shall  rest  from  my  la- 
bor." A  minister  then  present  added,  "  And  your 
works  follow  you."  To  whom  he  replied,  "  No 
works ;  I  will  leave  out  works,  if  God  will  grant 
me  the  other."  When  a  friend  was  comforting 
him  with  the  remembrance  of  the  good  many  had 
received  by  his  pi-eaching  and  writings,  he  said,  "  I 
was  but  a  pen  in  God's  hand ;  and  what  praise  is 
due  to  a  pen  1  "  His  resigned  submission  to  the 
will  of  God  in  his  sharp  sickness  was  eminent. 
When  extremity  of  pain  constrained  him  to  ear- 


126  MISCELLANEOUS.. 

nestly  petition  God  for  his  release  by  death,  be 
would  check  himself,  saying,  "  It  is  not  fit  for  me 
to  prescrilie  lohen  thou  wilt,  what  thou  wilt,  and  how 
thou  wilt."  Being  in  great  anguish,  he  said,  "  O, 
how  unsearchable  are  his  ways,  and  his  paths 
past  finding  out  !•  The  riches  of  his  providence  we 
cannot  fathom."  And  to  his  friends,  "  Do  not 
think  the  worse  of  religion  for  what  you  see  me 
suffer."  Being  often  asked  how  it  was  with  his 
inward  man,  he  replied,  "  I  bless  God  that  I  have  a 
tvell -(/rounded  assurance  of  my  eternal  happiness^  and 
great  peace  and  comfort  within ; "  but  it  was  his 
trouble  that  he  could  not  triumphantly  express  it, 
in  consequence  of  extreme  pain.  He  said,  ''  Flesh 
must  perish,  and  we  must  feel  the  perishing  of  it ; 
and  though  our  judgment  submits,  yet  sense  will 
still  make  us  groan."  He  gave  excellent  counsel 
to  some  young  ministers  that  visited  him,  and  ear- 
nestly prayed  for  them  and  for  the  church  of 
Christ.  He  said  to  a  friend  the  day  before  he  died, 
'■'■  I  have  pain ;  but  I  have  peace,  I  have  peace^  His 
friend  replied,  "  You  are  now  approaching  your 
long-desired  home."  He  answered,  "  I  believe,  I 
believe."  As  he  approached  near  his  end,  when 
asked  how  he  did,  his  usual  reply  was,  "  Almost 
well."  And  when,  in  his  own  apprehension,  death 
was  nearest,  his  joy  was  most  remarkable.  The 
long-wished-for  hour  at  length  arrived,  and,  hi  his 
own  expressive  language,  he  became  "  entirely 
well."     He  died  December  8,  1691. 

TIME    AND    ETEBNITT. 

SUPPOSING  the  body  of  the  earth  were  a  great 
mass,  or  ball,  of  the  finest  sand,  and   that  a 
single  grain,  or  particle,  of  this  sand  should  be  an* 


MISCELLANEOUS.  12"* 

nihilated  every  thousand  years ;  supposing,  then 
that  you  had  it  in  your  choice  to  be  happy  all  the 
while  this  prodigious  mass  of  sand  was  consum  mg 
by  this  slow  method,  until  there  was  not  a  grain 
of  it  left,  on  condition  you  were  to  be  miserable 
forever  after ;  or,  supposing  that  you  might  be  hap- 
py forever  after,  on  condition  that  you  should  be 
miserable  until  the  whole  mass  of  sand  were  thus 
annihilated,  at  the  rate  of  one  sand  in  a  thousand 
years,  —  which  of  these  two  cases  would  you  make 
your  choice "?  —  Spectator. 

pART  with  time  as  with  money,  sparing ;  pay 

No  moment  but  in  purchase  of  its  worth  ; 
And  what  its  worth,  ask  death  beds ;  they  can  tell. 

THE  glorified  spirit  of  the  wfant  is  as  a  star  to 
guide  the  mother  to  its  own  blissful  clime.  — 
Sigourney. 

PHILANTHROPY. 

Who  will  not  give 

Some  portion  of  his  ease,  his  time,  his  wealth, 
For  others'  good,  is  a  poor  frozen  churl. 

J.  Baillie. 

A  "WISE  and  due  consideration  of  our  latter  end 
is  neither  to  render  us  sad,  melancholy,  discon- 
solate, or  unfit  for  the  business  and  offices  of  life  ; 
but  to  make  us  more  watchful,  vigilant,  industrious, 
sober,  cheerful,  and  thankful  to  that  God  who  hath 
been  pleased  to  thus  make  us  serviceable  to  him, 
comfortable  to  ourselves,  and  profitable  to  others  \ 
and,  after  all  this,  to  take  away  the  bitterness  and 


12S  MISCELLANEOUS. 

Sting  of  death,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.— 
Sir  M.  Hale. 

ENVY. 

IF  we  did  but  know  how  little  some  enjoy  of  the 
great  things  they  possess,  there  would  not  be 
much  envy  in  the  world. 

A  SURE  eiiect  of  grace  (says  the  Rev.  Mr.  New- 
ton, in  a  letter  to  a  friend)  is  a  desire  and  long- 
ing for  gospel  ordinances ;  and  when  they  are  af- 
forded they  cannot  be  neglected  without  loss.  But 
our  Savior  sees  many  souls  who  are  dear  to  him,  and 
whom  he  is  training  up  in  a  growing  meetness  for 
his  kingdom,  who  are  by  his  providence  so  situated 
that  it  is  not  in  their  power  to  attend  on  his  public 
ordinances.  Such  a  situation  is  a  state  of  trial ;  but 
Christ  is  all-sulficient,  and  he  is  always  near.  They 
cannot  be  debarred  from  his  throne  of  grace ;  for,  in 
respect  to  them,  he  is  ever  near  at  hand.  The  chief 
difference  between  us  and  the  disciples  when  our 
Savior  was  upon  the  earth  is  this  —  they  then  walked 
hy  sight,  and  we  are  called  to  walk  by  faith.  They 
could  see  him  witli  their  bodily  eyes  ;  we  cannot ; 
but  he  said  before  he  left  them,  "  It  is  expedient  for 
you  tliat  I  go  away."  How  could  this  be,  unless 
that  spiritual  communion  which  he  promised  to 
maintain  with  his  people  after  his  ascension  were 
preferable  to  that  intercourse  he  allowed  them  whilst 
he  was  visibly  with  tliem  ?  But  we  are  sure  it  is 
preferable  \  and  they  who  had  tried  both  were  well 
satisfied  he  had  made  good  his  promise  ;  so  that, 
thougli  they  had  known  him  after  the  flesh,  they 
were  content  not  to  know  him  so  any  more.  Yes  ; 
though  we  cannot  see  him,  he  sees  us ;  he  is  nearer 
to  us  than  we  are  to  ourselves.     In  a  natural  state, 


MISCELLANEOUS.  129 

we  have  very  dark  and  dishonorable  thoughts  of 
God  ;  we  conceive  of  him  at  a  distance;  but  when 
the  heart  is  awakened  we  begin  to  make  Jacob's 
reflection,  "  Surely  the  Lord  is  in  this  place,  and  I 
knew  it  not.''  *  *  *  And  God  is  made  known 
to  us  by  the  gospel  in  the  endearing  views  of  a  Sa- 
vior, a  Shepherd,  a  Husband,  a  Friend ;  and  a  way  of 
access  is  opened  for  us  through  the  veil,  that  is,  the 
human  nature  of  our  Redeemer,  to  enter  with 
humble  confidence  into  the  holiest  of  all,  and  to 
repose  all  our  cares  and  concerns  upon  the  strength 
of  that  everlasting  arm  which  upholds  heaven  and 
earth,  and  upon  that  infinite  love  which  submitted 
to  the  shame,  pain,  and  death  of  the  cross,  to  re- 
deem sinners  from  wrath  and  misery. 

The  doubts  and  fears  you  speak  of  are,  in  a 
greater  or  less  degree,  the  common  experience  of 
all  Christians,  at  least  for  a  time.  Whilst  any  un- 
belief remains  in  the  heart,  and  Satan  is  permitted 
to  tempt,  we  shall  feel  these  things.  In  themselves 
they  are  groundless  and  evil ;  yet  God  permits  and 
overrules  them  for  good.  They  tend  to  make  us 
know  the  plagues  of  our  own  hearts,  and  feel  more 
sensibly  the  need  of  a  Savior,  and  make  his  rest 
(when  we  attain  it)  doubly  sweet  and  sure.  And 
they  likewise  qualify  us  for  pitying  and  comforting 
others.     Fear  not ;  only  believe,  wait,  and  pray. 

OUR  gracious  Savior  has  engaged  to  keep  and 
uphold  his  true  disciples.  He  will  communicate 
all  needful  supplies  to  them',  yet  in  such  a  manner 
that  they  shall  feel  their  need  and  weakness,  and 
have  nothing  to  boast  of  from  first  to  last  but  his 
wisdom,  compassion,  and  care.  They  are  in  no 
worse  circumstances  than  the  apostle  Paul,  who, 
9 


130  MISCELLANEOUS. 

though  eminent  and  exemplary  in  the  Christian 
life,  found  and  freely  confessed  that  he  had  no  suf- 
ficiency in  himself  to  think  a  good  thought.  Nor 
did  he  wish  it  otherwise ;  he  even  gloried  in  his  in- 
firmities, that  the  power  of  Christ  might  rest  upon 
him.  Unbelief  and  a  thousand  evils  are  still  in 
our  hearts  ;  though  their  dominion  is  at  an  end, 
they  are  not  eradicated ;  their  effects  will  be  felt 
more  or  less  sensibly  as  Christ  is  pleased  more  or 
less  to  afford  or  abate  his  gracious  influences. 
When  they  are  kept  down  we  are  no  better  in  our- 
selves, for  they  are  not  kept  down  by  us  ;  but  we 
are  very  prone  to  think  better  of  ourselves  at  such 
a  time ;  and  therefore  he  is  pleased  to  permit  us  at 
seasons  to  feel  a  difference,  that  we  may  never  for- 
get how  weak  and  how  vile  we  are.  We  cannot 
absolutely  conquer  these  evils ;  but  it  becomes  us  to 
be  humbled  for  them  ;  and  we  are  to  fight,  and 
strive,  and  pray  against  them.  *  ^  *  It  is  our 
duty  to  stand  upon  the  field  of  battle ;  to  face  the 
fiery  darts  of  the  enemy,  and  to  manfully  wrestle 
with  them.  Nor  can  we  well  expect  to  wholly  es- 
cape wounds :  but  the  leaves  of  the  tree  of  life  are 
provided  for  our  healing ;  and  for  our  encourage- 
ment we  are  assured  that,  in  the  end,  we  shall  be 
more  than  conqueroi's  through  Him  who  has  loved 
us  and  died  for  us, 

THE    SOUL 

WE  may  compare  the  soul  to  a  linen  cloth  :  it 
must  be  first  washed  to  take  off  its  native  hue 
and  color  and  to  make  it  white ;  and  afterwards  it 
must  be  ever  and  anon  washed  to  preserve  and  to 
keep  it  white.  —  South. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  131 

TTUMILITY,  that  low,  sweet  root, 

-*-^  From  which  all  heavenly  virtues  shoot. 

Moore. 

PLEASURE. 

THERE  is  little  pleasure  in  the  world  that  is  titie 
and  sincere  besides  the  pleasure  of  doing  our 
duty  and  doing  good.  I  am  sure  no  other  is  com- 
parable to  this.  —  Tillotson. 

Q.REAT  minds,  like  heaven,  are  pleased  in  doing 

good, 
Though  the  ungrateful  subjects  of  their  favors 
Are  barren  in  return. 


HAPPINESS   FOUND    ONLY    IN    GOD. 

THERE  is  nothing  substantial  and  satisfactory 
but  the  Supreme  Good  :  in  it,  the  deeper  we 
go,  and  the  more  largely  we  drink,  the  better  and 
happier  we  are  :  whereas,  in  outward  acquirements, 
if  we  could  attain  to  the  summit  and  perfection  of 
them,  the  very  possession  with  the  enjoyment  palls. 
—  Langhorne. 

miME  is  the  warp  of  life.    0,  tell 

The  young,  the  fair,  the  gay  to  weave  it  well. 

NOVELS    AND    ROMANCES. 

NO  habitual  reader  of  novels  can  love  the  Bible, 
nor  any  other  book  that  demands  thought  or 
inculcates  the  serious  duties  of  life.  He  dwells  in 
a  region  of  imagination,  where  he  is  disgusted  with 


132 


MISCELLANEOUS. 


the  plainness  and  simplicity  of  truth,  with  the 
sober  realities  that  demand  his  attention  as  a 
rational  and  immortal  being  and  an  accountable 
subject  of  God's  government. 

Providence 

Extends  its  views  to  all  —  from  rolling  worlds 
To  falling  sparrows.     All  events  it  guides. 
Controls,  o'eiTules,  educing  still  God's  glory 
And  the  highest  good  of  all  that  trust  him. 

Edwards. 

VANITY    OF    LIFE. 

THE  vanity  of  human  life  is  like  a  river  —  con- 
stantly passing  away,  and  yet  constantly  coming 
on.  —  Pope. 

HEAVEN. 

HEAVEN  hath  many  tongues  to  talk  of  it,  more 
eyes  to  behold  it,  but  few  hearts  that  rightly 
affect  it.  —  Bishop  Hall. 


ATTRACTIONS    OF    HEAVEN. 

MY  gems  are  falling  away ;  but  it  is  because  God 
i?  making  up  his  jewels.  —  Wolfe. 


FICTION. 

MANY  works  of  fiction  may  be  read  with  safety 
—  some  even  with  profit ;  but  the  constant 
familiarity  even  with  such  as  are  not  exceptionable 
in  themselves  relaxes  the  mind,  which  needs  har- 
dening ;  dissolves  the  heart,  which  wants  fortifying  ; 
stirs  the  imagination,  which  wants  quieting ;  irri- 


MISCELLANEOITS.  133 

tates  the  passions,  which  want  calming  :  and,  above 
all,  disinclines  and  disqualifies  i'ov  active  virtues 
and  for  spiritual  exercises.  Though  all  these  books 
may  not  be  wicked,  yet  the  habitual  indulgence  in 
such  reading  is  a  sitent  mining  mischief.  Though 
there  is  no  act  and  no  moment  in  which  any  open 
assault  on  the  mind  is  made,  yet  the  constant  habit 
performs  the  work  of  a  mental  atrophy  —  it  pro- 
duces all  the  symptoms  of  decay ;  and  the  danger 
is  not  less  for  being  more  gradual,  and  therefore 
less  suspected.  —  Hannah  More. 

AS  the  sword  of  the  best-tempered  metal  is  most 
flexible,  so  the  truly  generous  are  most  pliant 
and  courteous  in  their  behavior  to  their  inferiors. 

—  Fuller. 

DISKEGAKD    OF    GOD'S    OMNISCIEJfCE. 

WE  are  all  aware  how  powerful  a  restraint  is 
imposed  on  the  most  dissolute  and  profane 
by  the  presence  of  an  individual  who  will  not 
countenance  them  in  their  impieties.  So  long  as 
they  are  under  observation,  they  will  not  dare  to 
yield  to  imperious  desires  ;  they  must  shrink  into  a 
solitude  ere  they  will  perpetrate  crime  or  give 
indulgence  to  lusts.  We  can  feel  confident  in  re- 
spect of  the  most  worldly  minded,  that,  if  there 
could  be  always  at  his  side  an  individual  of  whom 
he  stood  in  awe  and  whose  good  opinion  he  was 
anxious  to  cultivate,  he  would  abstain  from  many 
of  his  cherished  gratifications,  and  walk.  comiDara- 
tively,  a  course  of  self-denial  and  virtue.  He 
would  be  arrested  in  far  the  greater  part  of  his 
purposes  if  he  knew  that  he  was  acting  under  the 
eye  of  this  individual ;  and  it  would  only  be  when 


134  MISCELLANEOUS. 

assured  that  the  inspection  was  suspended  or  with- 
drawn that  ho  would  follow  unreservedly  the  bent 
of  his  desires.  But  it  is  amongst  the  most  sur- 
prising of  moral  phenomena  that  the  effect  which 
would  be  produced  by  a  human  inspector  is 
scarcely  ever  produced  by  a  divine.  If  a  man  can 
elude  the  observation  of  his  fellow-men,  he  straight- 
way acts  as  though  he  had  eluded  all  observation : 
place  him  where  there  is  no  other  of  his  own  race, 
and  he  will  feel  as  if,  in  the  strictest  sense,  alone. 
The  remembrance  that  the  eye  of  Deity  is  upon 
him,  that  the  infinite  God  is  continually  at  his 
side,  —  so  that  there  is  absurdity  in  speaking  of  a 
solitude,  every  spot  throughout  the  expansions  of 
space  being  inhabited  by  the  Almighty,  —  this 
remembrance  is  without  any  practical  effect ;  or 
rather  the  fact,  though  universally  known,  is  not 
considered ;  and  therefore  the  man,  though  in 
contact  with  his  Maker,  fancies  himself  in  loneli- 
ness, and  acts  as  if  certain  of  being  unobserved.  — 
Melvill. 

FEARFUL  DOOM  OF  THE  WICKED. 

IT  were  comparatively  little  to  say  of  an  individ- 
ual who  sells  himself  to  work  evil,  and  carries 
it  with  a  high  hand  and  a  brazen  front  against  the 
Lord  of  the  whole  earth,  that  he  shuts  himself  up 
to  a  certain  and  definite  destruction.  The  thrill- 
ing truth  is,  that,  in  working  iniquity,  he  sows  for 
himself  anguish.  He  gives  not  way  to  a  new 
desire,  he  allows  not  a  fresh  victory  to  lust,  with- 
out multiplying  the  amount  of  final  torment.  By 
every  excursion  of  passion,  and  by  every  indul- 
gence of  an  unhallowed  craving,  and  by  all  the 
misdoings  of  a  hardened  or  dissolute  life  he  may 


MISCELLANEOUS.  I35 

be  literally  said  to  pour  into  the  granary  of  his 
future  destinies  the  goads  and  stings  wiiich  shall 
madden  his  spirit.  He  lays  up  more  food  for  self- 
reproach.  He  widens  the  field  over  which  thou^^ht 
wdl  pass  in  bitterness  and  mow  down  remorse. 
He  teaches  the  worm  to  be  ingenious  in  excruciat- 
ing, by  tasking  his  wit  that  he  may  be  ingenious  in 
smnmg;  for  some  men,  as  the  prophet  saith,— 
and  It  is  a  wonderful  expression,  —  "  are  wise  to 
do  evil."  And  thus  his  iniquities  opening,  as  it 
were,  fresh  inlets  for  the  approaches  of  vengeance 
with  the  growth  of  wickedness  will  be  the  growth 
of  punishment;  and  at  last  it  will  appear  that  his 
resistance  to  convictions,  his  neglect  of  opportuni- 
ties, and  his  determined  enslavement  to  evil  have 
literally  worked  for  him  "  a  far  more  exceeding 
and  eternal  weight "  of  despair. 

DEATH   OP   A   WORLDLING  —  THE    LATE   BEAU 
NASH. 

"^  T  ^^S  not  long  since,"  writes  Mr.  Hervey, 
J-  '•  called  upon  to  visit  a  poor  gentleman  who 
was  formerly  of  the  most  robust  body  and  crayest 
temper  I  ever  knew.  But  when  I  visited  hnn  O 
how  was  the  glory  departed  from  him  !  I  found 
^1"?  no  more  that  sprightly  and  vivacious  son 
ot  joy  which  he  used  to  be ;  but  languishing,  pining 
away,  and  withering  under  the  chastening  hand 
ot  (jod.  His  hmbs  were  feeble  and  trembling  his 
countenance  forlorn  and  ghastly,  and  the  little 
breath  he  had  left  was  sobbed  out  in  sorrowful 
sighs  His  body  was  hastening  apace  to  the  dust, 
to  lodge  m  the  silent  grave  — the  land  of  darkness 
and  desolation.  His  soul  was  just  going  to  God 
who   gave   it,  and    preparing  to  wing  itself  away 


136  MISCELLANEOUS. 

unto  its  long  home,  to  enter  upon  an  unchangeable 
and  eternal  state.  When  I  was  come  up  into  his 
chamber  and  had  seated  myself  on  his  bed,  he  first 
cast  a  most  wishful  look  at  me,  and  then  began,  as 
well  as  he  was  able,  to  speak,  '  "  O  that  I  had  been 
wise,  that  I  had  known  this,  that  I  had  considered 
my  latter  end  !  "  Ah,  sir,  death  is  knocking  at  my 
doors  :  in  a  few  hours  more  I  shall  draw  my  last 
gasp  ;  and  then  judgment  —  the  tremendous  judg- 
ment. How  shall  I  appear,  unprepared  as  I  am, 
before  the  all-knowing  and  omnipotent  God  ?  How 
shall  I  endure  the  day  of  his  coming  1 '  When  I 
mentioned,  among  many  other  things,  that  strict 
holiness  which  he  had  formerly  so  slightly  esteemed, 
he  replied,  with  a  hasty  eagerness,  '  O,  that  holi- 
ness is  the  only  thing  I  now  long  for.  I  have  not 
words  to  tell  you  how  highly  I  value  it.  I  would 
gladly  part  with  all  my  estate,  large  as  it  is,  or  a 
world,  to  obtain  it.  Now  my  benighted  eyes  are  en- 
lightened ;  I  clearly  discern  the  things  that  are 
excellent.  What  is  thei'e  in  the  place  Avhither  I 
am  going  but  God  1  Or  what  is  there  to  be  desired 
upon  earth  but  religion  ?  ' 

"  '  But  should  you  be  restored  to  health,'  said 
Mr.  H.,  '  do  you  think  you  would  alter  your  former 
course  1 ' 

'' '  I  call  heaven  and  earth  to  witness,'  said  he, '  I 
would  labor  for  holiness  as  I  shall  soon  labor  for 
life.  As  for  riches,  and  pleasures,  and  the  applauses 
of  men,  I  account  them  as  dross  and  dung  —  no 
more  to  my  happiness  than  the  feathers  that  lie  on 
the  floor.  O,  if  the  righteous  Judge  would  tiy  me 
once  more,  if  he  would  but  reprieve  and  spare  me 
a  little  longer,  in  what  a  spirit  would  I  spend  the 
remainder  of  my  days  !  I  would  know  no  other 
business,  aim  at  no  other  end,  than  perfecting  my- 


MISCELLANEOUS.  137 

self  in  holiness.  Whatever  contributed  to  that  — 
every  means  of  grace,  every  opportunity  of  spir- 
itual improvement  —  should  be  dearer  to  me  than 
thousands  of  gold  and  silver.  But,  alas  !  why  do  I 
amuse  myself  with  fond  imaginations  ?  The  best 
resolutions  are  now  insignificant,  because  they  are 
too  late.  The  day  in  which  I  should  have  worked 
is  over  and  gone;  and  I  see  a  sad,  horrible  night 
approaching,  bringing  with  it  the  blackness  of 
darkness  forever.  Heretofore,  —  woe  is  me !  —  when 
God  called,  I  refused ;  when  he  invited,  I  was  one 
of  them  that  made  excuse.  Now,  therefore,  I  re- 
ceive the  reward  of  my  deeds  —  fearfulness  and 
trembling  are  come  upon  me.  I  smart  and  am  in 
sore  anguish  already  ;  and  yet  this  is  but  the  begin- 
ning of  sorrows.  It  doth  not  yet  appear  what  I 
shall  be  ;  but  surely  I  shall  be  ruined,  undone,  and 
destroyed  with  an  everlasting  destruction.' 

"  This  sad  scene,"  says  Mr.  H.,  "  I  saw  with 
mine  eyes ;  these  words,  and  many  more  equally 
affecting,  I  heard  with  mine  ears ;  and  soon  after 
attended  the  unhappy  man  to  his  tomb." 

STRIVE. 

WE  beseech  you  that  ye  strive,  through  God's 
grace,  to  give  yourselves  to  the  business  of 
putting  off  the  old  man.  Will  ye  affirm  that  ye 
believe  there  is  a  heaven,  and  yet  act  as  though 
persuaded  that  it  is  not  w^orth  striving  for  1  Be- 
lieve, only  believe,  that  a  day  of  coronation  is  yet 
to  break  on  this  long-darkened  globe,  and  the  sin- 
ews will  be  strung  like  those  of  the  wrestlers  of 
old,  who  saw  the  garlands  in  the  judge's  hands, 
and  locked  themselves  in  an  iron  embrace.     Strive 


138  MISCELLANEOUS. 

—  for  the  grasp  of  a  destroyer  is  upon  you ;  and 
if  ye  be  not  wrenched  away,  it  will  palsy  you  and 
crush  you.  Strive  —  for  the  foe  is  on  the  right 
hand,  on  the  left  hand,  before  you,  behind  you  ; 
and  ye  must  be  trampled  under  foot  if  ye  struggle 
not,  and  strike  not,  as  those  who  feel  themselves 
bound  in  a  death  grapple.  Strive  —  there  is  a 
crown  to  be  won :  the  mines  of  the  earth  have 
not  furnished  its  metal,  and  the  depths  of  the  sea 
hide  nothing  so  radiant  as  the  jewels  with  Avhich  it 
is  wreathed.  Strive  —  for,  if  ye  gain  not  this  crown, 
alas !  alas !  ye  must  have  the  scorpions  for- 
ever round  the  forehead,  and  the  circles  of  that 
flame  which  is  fanned  by  the  breath  of  the  Al- 
mighty's displeasure. 

Strive,  then ;  but  strive  in  the  strength  of  your 
risen  Lord,  and  not  in  your  own.  Ye  know  not 
how  soon  that  Lord  may  come.  Whilst  the  sun 
walks  his  usual  path  on  the  firmament,  and  the 
grass  is  springing  in  our  fields,  and  merchants  are 
crowding  the  exchange,  and  politicians  jostling 
for  place,  and  the  voluptuous  killing  time,  and  the 
avaricious  counting  gold,  "  the  sign  of  the  Son 
of  man "  shall  be  seen  in  the  heavens,  and  the 
august  throne  of  fire  and  of  cloud  be  piled  for 
judgment. 

THE  charities  that  are  designed  to  instruct  the 
ignorant,  to  illuminate  the  mind,  to  convey  the 
truth  of  the  divine  word  home  to  the  conscience,  — 
in  a  word,  the  charity  that  has  to  do  with  the  soul  and 
its  eternal  interests,  —  as  far  transcends  the  charity 
which  has  reference  to  the  body  alone,  as  eternity 
transcends  time  and  the  deathless  spirit  outweighs 
the  tenement  that  it  inhabits. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  139 

rjlHE  busts  of  virtue  must  he  piety ;  the  resources, 
J-  the  consolations,  the  rewards  of  piety  are  in 
a  future  life.  Whatever  disqualifies  us'  for  the 
contemplation  of  God,  of  "heaven,  and  eternity, 
obliterates  the  moral  sense,  and  gives  us  up  entirely 
to  the  dominion  of  our  passions  and  appetites  ; 
the  pleaswes  of  the  world,  its  insnaring  vanities, 
have,  more  than  any  thing  besides,  this  fatal  influence. 
When  once  they  take  possession  of  the  heart,  they 
alienate  the  thoughts  from  God  and  unfit  us  for 
his  service. 

THE    THEATRE. 

THIS  is  the  very  school  of  the  world,  where  it 
inculcates  its  principles  and  enforces  its  max- 
ims, aided  by  every  thing  that  can  captivate  the 
imagination  and  interest  the  heart.  This  is  per- 
haps the  most  subtle  and  decided  enemy  of  re- 
ligion, and  commits  dreadful  ravages  among  the 
youth  of  great  and  populous  cities.  Contrast  the 
spirit  of  the  stage  with  the  spirit  of  the  gospel : 
the  one  is  all  levity,  giddiness,  and  folly ;  the  other 
sober,  calm,  and  wise.  The  exerting  influence  of  the 
gospel  is  to  raise  those  thoughts,  sentiments,  and 
affections  which  promote  the  true  dignity  of  man 
and  secure  his  best  and  eternal  interests.  Thus  it 
leads  to  devout  and  holy  reflections  on  the  charac- 
ter of  God  ;  it  leads  us  to  choose  virtue,  to  reject 
vice ;  it  inspires  in  the  one  sex  the  love  of  peace, 
in  the  other  the  love  of  modesty.  It  subdues  and 
promises  finally  to  eradicate  the  evil  that  is  in  the 
human  passions,  to  render  feeling  subservient  to 
reason,  and  reason  obedient  to  revelation.  The 
stage,  on  the  contrary,  violates  tlie  dignity  of  the 
Most  High,  by  taking  his  name  in  vain,  by  scoff- 
ing at  his  laws,  and  by  impugning  his  authority. 


140  MISCELLANEOUS. 

It  dethrones  the  true  God,  and  sets  up  an  idol  in 
his  place ;  it  makes  virtue  and  vice  convertible 
terms;  it  cherishes  all  the  irascible  and  malignant 
passions  ;  it  is  the  very  hotbed  of  vice  and  sen- 
suality, "  the  stronghold  of  the  god  of  this  world, 
the  vestibule  of  destruction."  Snares  are  laid  for 
the  eye,  the  ear,  the  imagination,  and  the  heart ;  the 
company,  the  spectators,  the  music,  the  sentiments 
have  all  a  simultaneous  tendency  —  they  seek  to 
throw  down  the  barriers  of  virtue  and  to  lay 
waste  the  excellences  of  human  character. 

FASHIONABLE   AMUSEMENTS. 

PUBLIC  balls  and  routs  are  anti- Christian,  on 
account  of  the  intercoui'se  which  must  be  main- 
tained with  persons  of  light  character  and  no  re- 
ligion—  on  account  of  their  influence  in  sensual- 
izing the  passions  and  demoi-alizing  the  heart.  Nor 
is  there  any  thing  to  be  described  more  opposite  to 
the  spirit  of  Christianity,  more  incompatible  with 
the  duties  it  requires,  and  the  domestic  order  which 
is  essential  to  a  consistent  profession  of  it,  than 
midnight  parties,  where  time  and  health  are  misera- 
bly wasted  without  the  slightest  compensation  in 
return.  There  is  no  tyrant  more  capricious,  and  at 
the  same  time  more  cruel,  than  Fashion.  Her  vo- 
taries are  slaves  of  the  most  pitiable  description, 
whether  we  consider  what  they  are  forced  to  re- 
nounce or  compelled  to  endure ;  and  such  cannot 
reasonably  expect  to  inherit  the  rewards  of  the 
righteous  hereafter.  The  road  to  the  kingdom  of 
heaven  lies  not  through  the  saloon  of  midnight 
frivolity  and  dissipation.  There  is  the  enchanted 
ground,  where  those  who  wander  lose  theu*  way 
and  return  no  more. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  141 


GAMING 


SURELY  no  Christian  can  have  the  eflfrontery  to 
stand  forward  as  the  apologist  of  gaming.  It 
requires  no  high  degree  of  common  virtue,  not  to 
say  evangelical  purity,  to  induce  every  person  of 
reflection  to  denounce  it  as  immoral  and  irreligious. 
And  indeed  every  thing  that  approaches  to  such  a 
detestable  vice,  or  that  familiarizes  the  principle  to 
the  rising  generation,  ought  to  be  avoided  as  one 
would  avoid  the  pestilence.  But  perhaps  it  may 
be  asked,  whether  the  playing  of  cards  for  diver- 
sion merely  is  wrong.  To  this  it  may  be  replied, 
that,  though  harmless  in  themselves  and  as  they 
are  sometimes  used,  yet,  as  they  are  seldom  em- 
ployed except  in  the  service  of  gaming^  their  char- 
acter is  at  least  equivocal,  and  therefore  a  Christian 
had  better  never  indulge  himself  in  such  a  pastime. 
Things  innocent  in  their  own  nature  are  often 
made  dangerous  by  their  accompaniments  ;  and  it 
has  been  judiciously  observed,  that  "the  atmos- 
phere of  a  card  table  is  one  in  which  religious  prin- 
ciples will  droop,  and  wither,  and  die."  And  it  is 
believed  that  there  are  more  persons  ruined  by 
those  pleasiu-es  which  are  pronounced  innocent 
than  by  those  styled  guilty. 

NOVEL   READING. 

THERE  is  no  species  of  reading,  says  a  learned 
and  pious  clergyman  to  his  daughter,  to  which 
young  females  are  more  inclined,  or  from  which 
they  are  so  much  in  danger,  as  that  of  novels  ;  on 
which  account,  I  must  say  that  /  do  not  wish  you 
ever  to  read  a  novel.  For,  admit  that  a  few  may  be 
regarded  as  harmless  and  unexceptionable,  I  cannot 


142  MISCELLANEOUS. 

doubt  that  the  time  which  you  would  occupy  in 
readino;  them  might  be  employed  to  better  pur- 
pose in  studyiriij  the  actual  realities  of  life,  as 
they  are  exhibited  by  the  biographer  or  the  his- 
torian :  and,  moreover,  there  is  danger,  if  you 
begin  to  read  works  of  fiction  with  an  intention 
to  read  but  few,  and  to  confine  yourself  to  the 
better  class,  that  your  relish  for  these  productions 
will  increase  till  you  can  scarcely  feel  at  home 
unless  the  pages  of  a  novel  are  spread  before  you  ; 
and,  what  is  still  more  to  be  dreaded,  that  you  will 
read  ind  iscriminately  the  most  corrupt  as  well  as 
the  least  exceptionable.  You  may  rest  assured 
that  a  character  formed  under  the  influ-ence  of 
novel  reading  is  miserably  fitted  for  the  purposes 
of  practical  life.  The  imagination  being  hereby 
wrought  into  a  feverish  state  gains  the  ascendency 
over  the  judgment,  and  a  thousand  bright  visions 
rise  up  before  the  mind  which  experience  proves  to 
be  unreal.  This  species  of  reading,  moreover,  in- 
spires a  disgust  for  the  sober  and  practical  reali- 
ties in  which  we  have  to  mingle  ;  and,  what  is 
worse  than  all,  it  often  closes  every  avenue  through 
which  the  awful  truths  of  religion  can  be  conveyed 
to  the  heart.  I say^  then,  as  you  would  avoid  form- 
ing a  character  tvhich  combines  all  the  elements  of 
insipidity,  corruption,  and  moral  death,  bevtare  op 

THE    READING    OF    NOVELS. 

rpHE  whole  course  of  a  man's  life  out  of  Christ  is 
-I-  nothing  but  a  continual  trading  in  vanity,  run- 
ning a  circle  of  toil  and  labor,  and  reaping  no  profit 
at  all. 

HE  only  knows  aright  how  to  live  in  the  world 
that  hath  learned  to  die  to  the  world. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  143 


VANITY. 


I  HAVE  run  the  silly  rounds  of  business  and  of 
pleasure,  and  I  have  done  with"  them  all.  I 
have  enjoyed  all  the  pleasures  of  the  world,  and 
consequently  know  their  futility,  and  do  not  regret 
their  loss.  I  appraise  them  at  their  real  value, 
which,  in  truth,  is  very  low  ;  whereas  those  who 
have  not  experienced  always  overrate  them.  They 
only  see  the  gay  outside,  and  are  dazzled  with  their 
glare.  But  I  have  been  behind  the  scenes.  I  have 
seen  all  the  coarse  pulleys  and  dirty  ropes  which  ex- 
hibit and  move  the  gaudy  machine.  I  have  seen  and 
smelt  the  tallow  candles  which  illuminate  the  whole 
decoration  to  the  astonishment  and  admiration  of 
an  ignorant  multitude.  When  I  reflect  upon  what 
I  have  seen,  heard,  and  done,  I  can  hardly  persuade 
myself  that  all  the  frivolous  hurry,  bustle,  and  pleas- 
m'e  of  the  world  had  any  reality  ;  but  I  look  upon 
all  that  has  past  as  one  of  those  romantic  dreams 
which  opium  commonly  occasions,  and  I  do  by  no 
means  desire  to  repeat  the  nauseous  dose  for  the 
sake  of  the  fugitive  dream.  I  think  of  nothing  now 
but  killing  Time,  as  he  has  become  mine  enemy  ;  and 
I  will  sleep  in  the  carriage  the  remainder  of  the 
journey.  —  Lord  Chesterfield. 

RELIGION. 

God  to  love  and  serve 


"With  all  our  powers,  with  all  our  heart,  and  soul, 
And  mind,  and  strength,  and,  as  ourselves,  to  love 
Our  neighbor,  —  this  is  religion  ;  this  doth  God 
Demand  ;   and  only  this  can  bear  the  test 
Of  conscience  here  —  hereafter  of  judgment. 

31iller. 


144  MISCELLANEOUS. 

MEDITATION    ON    TRUTH. 

IT  is  not  hasty  reading;,  but  seriously  meditating, 
upon  holy  and  heavenly  truths  that  makes  them 
prove  sweet'  and  pi-ofitable  to  the  soul.  It  is  not 
the  bee's  touching  on  the  flowers  that  gathers 
honey,  but  her  abiding  for  a  time  upon  them  and 
drawing  out  the  sweet.  It  is  not  he  that  reads 
most,  but  he  that  meditates  most,  on  divine  truth 
that  will  prove  the  choicest,  wisest,  strongest  Chris- 
tian. —  Bishop  Hall. 

THE    FUTURE. 

1'^  VERY  THING  that  looks  to  the  future  elevates 
-^  human  nature ;  for  never  is  life  so  low  or  so 
little  as  when  occupied  with  the  present. —  Landon. 


FUTURITY. 

T1TERNITY  !  thou  pleasing,  dreadful  thought ! 
^  Through  what  variety  of  untried  being, 
Through  what  new  scenes  and  changes,  must  we 

pass  ? 
The  wide,  th'  unbounded  prospect  lies  before  me  ; 
But  shadows,  clouds,  and  darkness  rest  upon  it. 

Addison. 

THE    POOR   man's   EVIDENCE    OP    CHRISTIANITY. 

THERE  can  be  nothing  more  unjust  than  the 
conclusion,  that  the  poor  man  has  no  evidence 
within  reach,  because  he  has  not  the  external.  We 
will  not  allow  th.'it  God  has  failed,  in  this  respect, 


MISCELLANEOUS.  145 

to  prepare  for  the  poor.  "We  will  go  into  the  cot* 
tage  of  the  poor  disciple  of  Christ,  and  we  will  say 
to  him,  "  Why  do  you  believe  upon  Jesus  ?  You 
know  little  or  nothing  about  the  witness  of  anti- 
quity. You  know  little  or  nothing  about  the  com- 
pletion of  prophecy.  You  can  give  me  no  logical, 
no  grammatical,  no  historical  reasons  for  conclud- 
ing the  Bible  to  be,  what  it  professes  itself  a  revela- 
tion, made  in  early  times,  of  the  will  of  the  Al- 
mighty. Why,  then,  do  you  believe  upon  Jesus  ? 
What  grounds  have  you  for  faith,  what  basis  of 
conviction  1 " 

Now,  if  the  poor  man  lay  bare  his  experience,  he 
will  probably  show  how  *God  hath  prepared  for 
him  by  giving  such  a  reply  as  the  folloAving :  '■  I 
lived  long  unconcerned  about  the  soul.  I  thought 
only  on  the  pleasures  of  to-day.  I  cared  nothing 
for  the  worm  which  might  gnaw  me  to-morrow.  I 
was  brought,  however,  by  sickness,  or  by  disap- 
pointment, or  by  the  death  of  the  one  I  best  loved, 
or  by  a  startling  sermon,  to  fear  that  all  was  not 
right  between  me  and  <3od.  I  grew  more  and 
more  anxious.  Terrors  haunted  me  by  day,  and 
sleep  went  from  my  pillow  by  night.  At  length  I 
was  bidden  to  look  unto  Jesus  as  '  delivered  for  my 
offences  and  raised  again  for  my  justification.' 
Instantly  I  felt  him  to  be  exactly  the  Savior  that  I 
needed.  Every  want  found  in  him  an  immediate 
supply,  every  fear  a  cordial,  every  wound  a  balm. 
And  ever  since,  the  more  I  have  read  of  the  Bible, 
the  more  have  I  found  that  it  must  have  been  writ- 
ten on  purpose  for  mj-sclf.  It  seems  to  know  all 
my  cares,  all  my  temptations  ;  and  it  speaks  so 
beautifully  a  word  in  season  that  he  who  wrote  it 
must,  I  think,  have  had  me  in  his  eye.  Why  do  I 
believe  on  Jesus  ?  O,  I  feel  him  to  be  a  divine 
10 


146  MISCELLANEOUS. 

Savior  —  that  is  my  proof.  Why  do  I  believe  the 
Bible  ?  I  have  found  it  to  be  God's  word  —  there 
is  my  witness." 

We  think,  assuredly,  that,  if  you  take  the  experi- 
ence of  the  generality  of  Clu'istians,  you  will  find 
that  they  do  not  believe  without  proof  We  again 
say,  that  we  cannot  assent  to  the  proposition,  that 
the  Christianity  of  our  villages  and  hamlets  takes 
for  granted  the  truth  of  the  Bible,  and  has  no  rea- 
son to  give  when  that  truth  is  called  in  question. 
The  peasant  who,  when  the  hard  toil  of  the  day  is 
concluded,  will  sit  by  his  fireside  and  read  the 
Bible  with  all  the  eagerness  and  all  the  confidence 
of  one  who  receives  it  as  a  message  from  God, 
has  some  better  ground  than  common  report  or 
the  tradition  of  his  forefathers  on  which  to  rest 
his  persuasion  of  the  divinity  of  the  volume.  The 
book  speaks  to  him  with  a  force  which  he  feels 
never  could  belong  to  a  mere  human  composition. 
There  is  drawn  such  a  picture  of  his  own  heart  — 
a  picture  presenting  many  features  which  he  would 
not  have  discovered  had  they  not  been  thus  out- 
lined, but  which  he  recognizes  as  most  accurate 
the  instant  they  are  exhibited  —  that  he  can  be 
sure  that  the  painter  is  none  other  but  He  who 
alone  searches  the  heart.  The  proposed  deliver- 
ance agrees  so  wonderfully  and  so  minutely  with 
his  wants  ;  it  manifests  such  unbounded  and  equal 
concern  for  the  honor  of  God  and  the  well  being 
of  man  ;  it  provides,  with  so  consummate  a  skill, 
that,  whilst  the  human  race  is  redeemed,  the  divine 
attributes  shall  be  glorified,  —  that  it  were  like  tell- 
ing him  that  a  creature  spread  out  the  firmament, 
and  inlaid  it  with  worlds,  to  tell  him  that  the  prof- 
fered salvation  is  the  device  of  impostors  or  the 
figment  of  enthusiasts. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  147 

Yea,  and  it  is  a  growing  and  strengthening  evi- 
dence which   God  of  his  goodness  has  thus   pre- 
pared  for   the   poor.      Whensoever   they   obey   a 
direction  of  Scripture,  and  find  the  accompanying 
promise  fulfilled,  this  is  a  new  proof  that  the  di- 
rection and  the  promise  are  from  God.     The  book 
tells  them  that  blessings  are  to  be  sought  and  ob- 
tained through  the  name  of  Christ.     They  ask  and 
they  receive.     What  is  this  but  a  witness  that  the 
book  is  divine  1     Would  God  give  his  sanction  to 
a  lie "?     The  book  assures  them  that  the  Holy  Spirit 
will   gradually   sanctify   those    who    believe   upon 
Jesus.     They  find  the  sanctification  following  on 
the  belief;  and  does  not  this  attest  the  authority  of 
the  volume  1     The  book  declares  that  "  all  things 
work  together  for  good  "  to  the  disciples  of  Jesus. 
They  find  that  prosperity  and  adversity,  as   each 
brings  its  trials,  so  each  its  lessons  and  supports  ; 
and  whilst  God  thus  continually  verifies  a  declara- 
tion, can  they  doubt  that  he  made  it  ?     And  thus, 
day  by  day,  the  self-evidencing  power  of  Scripture 
comes  into  fuller  operation,  and  experience  multi- 
plies and  strengthens  the  internal  testimony.     The 
peasant  will   discover   more   and   more   that    the 
Bible  and  the  conscience  so  fit   into   each   other 
that  the  Artificer  who  made  one  must  have  equally 
fashioned  both.     His  life  will  be  an  ongoing  proof 
that  Scripture   is   truth;  for  his   days  and  hours 
are  its  chapters  and  verses  realized  to  the  letter. 
Others   may  admire  the  shield  Avhich   the   indus- 
try and   ingenuity  of  learned  men   have  thrown 
over  Christianity;    they  may  speak  of  the    solid 
rampart  casf  up  by  the  labor  of  ages,  and  pro- 
nounce the  foith  unassailable  because  history,  and 
philosophy,  and  science  have  all  combined  to  gird 
round  it  the  iron  and  the  rock  of  a  ponderous  and 


148 


MISCELLANEOUS. 


colossal  demonstration.  We,  for  our  part,  glory 
most  in  the  fact  that  Scripture  so  commends  itself 
to  the  conscience,  and  experience  so  bears  out  the 
Bible,  that  the  gospel  can  go  the  round  of  the 
world,  and  caiTy  with  it,  in  all  its  travel,  its  own 
mighty  credentials. 

THE    CHRISTIAN. 

NO  man  is  so  happy  as  a  real  Christian ;  none  so 
rational,  so  virtuous,  so  amiable.  How  little 
vanity  does  he  feel,  though  he  believes  himself 
united  to  God  !  How  far  is  he  from  abjectedness 
when  he  ranks  himself  with  the  worms  of  the 
earth  !  —  Pascal. 

CHARITY. 

"V[0  THING  truly  can  be  termed  my  own 

But  what  I  make  my  own  by  using  well. 
Those  deeds  of  charity  which  we  have  done 
Shall  stay  forever  with  us  ;  and  that  wealth 
Which  we  have  so  bestowed  we  only  keep : 
The  other  is  not  ours.  —  MiddJeton. 

HE  that  would  undermine  the  foundations  of  our 
hope  for  eternity  seeks  to  beat  down  the  column 
which    supports    the    feebleness   of    humanity.  — 

Nevins. 


TO  communicate  happiness  is  worthy  ^the  ambition 
of  beings  superior  to  man ;  for  it  is  a  first  prin- 
ciple of  action  with  the  Author  of  all  existence.  It 
was  God  that  taught  it  as  a  virtue ;  and  it  is  God 
that  gives  the  example.  —  Langhorne. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  149 

EXTRACT   FROM  LETTER  OF  THE  REV.  J.  NEWTON. 

T  THINK  your  experience  is  generally  of  the 
-L  fearful,  doubting  cast.     Such  souls,  however, 
Lrod  has  given  particular  charge  to  his  ministers  to 
com.ort.      He    knows    our    infirmities   ahd    what 
temptations  mean  ;  and,  as  a  good  Shepherd,  he  ex- 
presses a  peculiar  care  and  tenderness  for  the  weak 
of  the  flock     But  how  must  I  attempt  vour  com- 
fort ?     Surely  not  by  strengthening  a  mistake  to 
which  we  are  all  too  liable,  by  leading  you  to  look 
into  your  own  heart  for  (what  vou  will  never  find 
tiierc;   something  in  yourself  whereon   to   ground 
your  hopes,  if  not  wholly,  vet  at   least  in   part 
father  let  me  endeavor  to  lead  you  out  of  yourself' 
et  me  invite  you  to  look  to   Christ.     Should  we 
look  tor  light  m  our  own  eyes  or  in  the  sun  '     Is 
It  indwelling  sin  that  distresses  vou  ?     Then  I  will 
tell  you  (though  you  know  itj  that  Jesus  died  for 
sin  and  sinners.     I  can  tell  vou  that  his  blood  and 
righteousness  are  of  infinite'value ;  that  his  arm  is 
almighty  and  his  compassions  infinite :  yea    vou 
yourself  read   his   promises  every  dav  ;  and  why 
should  you  doubt  their  being  fulfilled  ?     If  you 
say  you  do  not  question  their  truth,  or  that  they 
are  accomplished  to  many,  but  that  you  can  hardly 
believe  that  they  belong  to  you,  I  would  ask  what 
evidence  you  would  require  ?     A  voice  or  an  ano-el 
from  heaven  you  do  not  expect.     Consider  if  many 
ot  the  promises  are  not  expressly  directed  to  those 
to  whom  they  belong.     When  you  read  your  name 
on  the  superscription  of  this  paper  you  make  no 
scruple  to  open  it :  why,  then,  do  you  hesitate  at 
embracing  the  promises  of  the  gospel,  where  you 
read  that  they  are  addressed  to  those  who  mourn 
who  hunger  and  thirst  after  righteousness,  who  are 


150  MISCELLANEOUS. 

poor  in  spirit,  and  cannot  but  be  sensible  that  a 
gracious  God  has  begun  to  work  these  dispositions 
in  your  heart  ?  If  you  say  that,  though  you  do 
at  times  mourn,  hunger,  &e.,  you  are  afraid  you 
do  it  not  enough  or  not  ariglit,  consider  that  this 
sort  of  Reasoning  is  very  far  from  the  spirit  and 
language  of  the  gospel ;  for  it  is  grounded  on  a 
secret  supposition  that,  in  the  forgiveness  of  sin, 
God  has  respect  to  something  more  than  the  atone- 
ment and  mediation  of  Christ;  namely,  to  some 
previous  good  qualifications  in  a  sinner's  heart 
which  are  to  share  with  the  blood  of  Christ  in  the 
honor  of  salvation.  The  enemy  deceives  us  in  this 
matter  the  more  easily  because  a  propensity  to  the 
covenant  of  works  is  a  part  of  our  natural  de- 
pravity. Depend  upon  it,  you  will  never  have  a 
suitable  and  sufficient  sense  of  the  evil  of  sin  and 
of  your  share  in  it  so  long  as  you  have  any  sin 
remaining  in  you.  We  must  see  Christ  as  he  is 
before  our  apprehensions  of  any  spiritual  truth 
will  be  complete.  But  if  we  know  that  we  must 
perish  without  Christ,  and  that  he  is  able  to  save  to 
the  uttermost,  we  know  enough  to  warrant  us  to 
cast  our  souls  upon  him :  and  we  dishonor  him 
by  fearing  that  when  we  do  so  he  will  disappoint 
our  hopes.  *  *  *  Aim  at  a  cheerful  spirit. 
The  more  you  trust  God,  the  better  you  will  serve 
him.  While  you  indulge  unbelief  and  suspicion 
you  weaken  your  own  hands  and  discourage  others. 
Be  thankful  for  what  he  has  shown  you,  and  wait 
upon  him  for  more :  you  shall  find  he  has  not 
said,  '  Seek  ye  my  face  '  in  vain." 

TNDISPUTABLY,  the  believers  in  the  gospel 
-L  have  a  great  advantage  over  all  others,  for  this 
simple  reason,  that,  if  U'ue,  they  will  have  their 


MISCELLANEOUS.  151 

reward  hereafter;  and  if  there  be  no  hereafter, 
they  can  but  be  with  the  infidel  in  his  eternal  sleep, 
having  had  the  assistance  of  an  exalted  hope 
through  life  without  subsequent  disappointment. 
—  Lord  Byron. 

MANY,  says  Mr.  Newton,  have  puzzled  them- 
selves about  the  origin  of  evil.  I  am  content 
to  observe  that  there  is  evil,  and  that  there  is  a  way 
to  escape  from  it ;  and  with  this  1  begin  and  end. 

DEVOTION   IN    THE    YOUNG. 

IT  is  of  the  utmost  importance  to  season  the  pas- 
sions of  the  young  with  devotion,  which  seldom 
dies  in  the  mind  that  has  received  an  early  tincture 
of  it.  Though  it  may  seem  extinguished  for  a 
while,  by  the  cares  of  the  world,  the  heats  of  youth, 
or  the  allurements  of  vice,  it  generally  breaks  out 
and  discovers  itself  again  as  soon  as  discretion, 
consideration,  age,  or  misfortunes  have  brought 
the  man  to  himself.  The  fire  may  be  covered  and 
overlaid,  but  cannot  be  entirely  quenched  and 
smothered.  —  Addison. 


W 


man's  works  not  meritorious. 

'HAT  merit  can  there  be  in  works  1  If  yon 
give  much  alms,  whose  is  the  money  ?  "  The 
silvei-'is  mine,  and  the  gold  is  mine,  saith  the 
Lord  of  hosts."  If  you  mortify  the  body,  whose 
are  the  macerated  limbs  ?  If  you  put  sackcloth 
on  the  soul,  whose  is  the  chastened  spirit  1  If  you 
be  moral,  and  honest,  and  friendly,  and  generous, 
and  patriotic,  whose  are  the  dispositions  which  you 
exercise,  whose  the  powers  to  which  you  give  cul- 


152  MISCELLANEOUS. 

ture  and  scope  ?  And  if  you  only  use  God's  gifts, 
can  that  be  meritorious  1  You  may  say  yes  ;  it 
is  meritorious  to  use  them  aright  whilst  othei's  abuse 
^hem.  But  is  it  wickedness  to  abuse?  Then  ,<, 
Cim  only  be  duty  to  use  aright :  and  duty  will  be 
merit  when  debt  is  donation.  You  may  bestow  a 
fortune  in  charity ;  but  the  wealth  is  already  the 
Lord's.  You  may  cultivate  the  virtues  which  adorn 
and  sweeten  human  life ;  but  the  employed  powers 
are  the  Lord's.  You  may  give  time  and  strength 
to  the  enterprises  of  philanthropy ;  each  moment  is 
the  Lord's,  each  sinew  is  the  Lord's.  You  may  be 
upright  in  every  dealing  of  trade,  scrupulously 
honorable  in  all  the  intercourse  of  life ;  but  "  a 
just  weight  and  balance  are  the  Lord's ;  all  the 
weights  of  the  bag  are  his  work."  And  where, 
then,  is  the  merit  of  works  "?  0,  throw  into  one 
heap  each  power  of  the  mind,  each  energy  of  the 
body ;  use  in  God's  service  ea'ch  grain  of  your 
sulistance,  each  second  of  your  time  ;  give  to  the 
Almighty  every  throb  of  the  pulse,  every  drawing 
of  the  breath  ;  labor  and  strive,  and  be  instant,  in 
season  and  out  of  season ;  and  let  the  steepness  of 
the  mountain  daunt  you  not,  and  the  swellings  of 
the  ocean  deter  you  not,  and  the  ruggedness  of  the 
desert  appall  you  not;  but  on,  still  on,  in  toiling  for 
your  Maker;  and  dream,  and  talk,  and  boast  of 
merit  when  you  can  find  the  particle  in  the  heap, 
or  the  shred  in  the  exploit,  which  you  may  exclude 
from  the  confession,  "  All  things  come  of  thee;  and 
of  thine  own,  O  God,  have  I  given  thee."  —  MelvilL 

GOD  THE  FOUNDER  OF  HIS  CHURCH. 

MAN   reared   the    Jewish   tabernacle   and   man 
built  the  Jewish   temple.     But    the   spiritual 


3IISCELLANE0US.  153 

sanctuar}^,  of  which  these  were  but  types  and 
figures,  could  be  constructed  by  no  human  archi- 
tect. A  finite  power  is  inadequate  to  the  fashion- 
ing and  collecting  living  stones  and  to  the  weaving 
the  drapery  of  self-denial  and  obedience.  We  refer, 
undividedly,  to  Deity  the  construction  of  this  true 
tabernacle  the  church.  Had  there  been  no  media- 
torial interference,  the  spiritual  temple  could  never 
have  been  erected.  In  the  work  and  person  of 
Christ  were  laid  the  foundation  of  this  temple. 
"  Behold,  saith  God,  I  lay  in  Zion  for  a  foundation 
a  stone,  a  tried  stone."'  And  on  the  stone  thus 
laid  there  would  have  arisen  no  superstructure 
had  not  the  finished  work  of  redemption  been 
savingly  applied,  by  God's  Spirit,  to  man's  con- 
science. Though  redeemed,  not  a  solitary  individ- 
ual would  go  on  to  be  saved  unless  God  recreated 
him  after  his  own  likeness.  So  that,  whatever  the 
breadth  which  we  give  to  the  expression,  it  must 
hold  good  of  Christ's  church,  that  the  Lord  pitched 
it,  and  not  man.  And  it  is  not  more  true  of 
Christ's  humanity,  mysteriously  and  supernaturally 
produced,  that  it  was  a  tabernacle  which  Deity 
reared,  than  of  the  company  of  believers,  born 
again  of  the  Spirit  and  renewed  after  God's  image, 
that  they  constitute  a  sanctuary  which  shows  a 
nobler  than  mortal  workmanship. 

"•  T  OVE  covers  a  multitude  of  sins."  When  a 
JLJ  scar  cannot  be  taken  away,  the  next  kind 
office  is  to  hide  it.  Love  is  never  so  blind  as 
when  it  is  to  spy  faults.  It  is  like  the  painter  who, 
being  to  draw  the  picture  of  a  friend  having  a 
blemish  in  one  eye,  would  picture  only  the  other 
side  of  his  face.  It  is  a  noble  and  great  thing  to 
cover  the  blemishes  and  to  excuse  the  failings  of  a 


154  MISCELLANEOUS. 

friend ;  to  draw  a  curtain  before  liis  stains  and  to 
display  his  perfections  ;  to  bury  his  weaknesses  in 
silence,  but  to  proclaim  his  virtues  upon  the  house 
top.  —  South. 

T  ET  no  man  trust  the  first  false  step 
Of  guilt ;  it  hangs  upon  a  precipice 
Whose  steej)  descent  in  last  perdition  ends. 

Yoimg. 

ALL  the  duties  of  religion  are  eminently  solemn 
and  venerable  in  the  eyes  of  children.  But 
none  will  so  strongly  prove  the  sincerity  of  the 
parent,  none  so  powerfully  awaken  the  reverence 
of  the  child,  none  so  happily  recommend  the  in- 
struction he  receives  as  family  devotions,  particu- 
larly those  in  which  petitions  for  the  children  occu- 
py a  distinguished  place. 

JAMES    HEEVEY. 

THIS  eminent  Christian  and  zealous  minister  was 
born  February  26,  1713.  In  eai'ly  life  he  was 
impressed  with  the  importance  of  religion,  but  un- 
acquainted with  its  nature.  The  state  of  his  mind 
at  this  time  is  illustrated  by  the  following  anec- 
dote :  — 

In  the  parish  where  he  lived  there  resided  a 
plaia  farmer,  who  attended  his  ministry  and  who 
was  well  acquainted  with  the  doctrines  of  grace. 
Mr.  H.  one  morning  said  to  him,  "  What  do  you 
think  is  the  hardest  thing  in  religion  ?  "  To  which 
he  replied,  "  I  am  but  a  poor,  illiterate  man,  and 
you,  sir,  are  a  minister;  I  beg  leave  to  return  the 
question."     Then  said  Mr.  H.,  "  I  think  the  hard- 


MISCELLANEOUS.  155 

est  thing  is  to  deny  sinful  self,"  and  applauded,  at 
some  length,  this  kind  of  self-denial.  The  poor 
man  replied,  "  Mr.  H.,  you  have  forgotten  the 
greatest  act  of  grace  of  self-denial;  which  is,  to  deny 
ourselves  of  a  proud  confidence  in  our  own  obedience 
fur  justification." 

In  repeating  this  story  to  a  friend,  Mr.  H.  re- 
niurked,  "I  then  hated  the  righteousness  of  Chi'ist 
I  looked  at  the  man  with  astonishment  and  disdain, 
and  thought  him- a  fool.  I  have  since  clearly  seen 
who  was  the  fool  —  not  the  wise  old  Christian,  but 
the  proud  James  Hervey.''  Little  as  he  knew  at 
tills  time  of  the  way  of  peace,  light  soon  afterwards 
shone  upon  his  mind.  "  The  light,"  says  he,  "  was 
not  instantaneous  ;  it  did  not  fiash  upon  my  soul, 
but  arose  like  the  dawning  of  the  day.  Now,  were 
I  possessed  of  all  the  righteous  acts  that  have 
made  saints  and  martyrs  famous  in  all  generations, 
could  they  be  transferred  to  me,  and  might  I  call 
them  all  my  own,  I  would  renounce  them  all,  '  that 
I  might  win  Christ.'  " 

Being  himself  taught  by  the  Spirit  of  truth,  it 
now  became  his  delight  to  display  the  glories  of 
the  gospel  to  others.  His  pulpit  no  longer  re- 
sounded with  discourses  on  mere  heathen  morality; 
but  "  Christ  crucified  "  was  the  theme  on  which  he 
dwelt. 

THE   DISPENSATIONS    OF   GOD. 

IN  all  his  dispensations,  God  is  at  work  for  our 
good.  In  prosperity  he  tries  our  gratitude ;  in 
mediocrity  our  contentment ;  in  misfortune  our 
submission  ;  in  darkness  our  faith  ;  under  tempta- 
tion our  steadfastness :  and  at  all  times  our  obedience 
and  trust  in  him.  —  H.  More.  * 


156  MISCELLANEOUS. 

GOD. 

"]\  TAKER,  Preserver,  my  Redeemer,  God ! 

-^  -^  Whom  have  I  in  the  heavens  but  thee  alone  ? 

On  earth,  but  thee,  whom  should  I  praise,  whom 

love? 
For  thou  hast  brought  me  hitherto,  upheld 
By  thy  omnipotence ;  and  from  thy  grace, 
Unbought,  unmerited,  though  not  unsought, 
The  well  of  salvation,  hast  refreshed 
My  spirit,  watering  it  at  morn  and  eve.  —  Pollok. 

SCEPTICISM. 

WHEN  once  infidelity  can  persuade  men  that 
they  shall   die  like  beasts,  they  will  soon  be 
brought  to  live  like  beasts  also.  —  South. 

OUR   SINS. 

WHEN  we  think  of  death,  a  thousand  sins  which 
we  have  trodden  as  worms  beneath  our  feet 
rise  up  against  us  as  flaming  serpents. 

npHE  bad  man's  death  is  horror  ;  but  the  just 
■*•    Does  but  ascend  to  glory  from  the  dust. 

Habbington. 

THE   BIBLE    A   PROMOTER   OF    SOCIAL    HAPPINESS. 

EVEN  if  the  mass  of  a  nation   privileged  with 
the  fiible   have  their  portion  at  last  with  the 
unbelieving,  it  must  not  be  forgotten  that  there  is 


=y 


MISCELLANEOUS.  157 

in  every  age  a  remnant  who  trust  in  the  Savior 
whom  that  Bible  reveals.  The  blessings  Avhich 
result  from  the  possession  of  the  Scriptui'es  are 
not  to  be  computed  from  what  appears  on  the  sur- 
face of  society.  There  is  a  quiet  under  current 
of  happiness,  which  is  generally  unobserved,  but 
which  greatly  swells  the  amount  of  good  to  be 
traced  to  the  Bible.  You  must  go  into  families 
and  see  how  burdens  are  lightened  and  afflictions 
mitigated  by  the  promises  of  holy  writ.  You 
must  follow  men  into  their  retirements  and  learn 
how  they  gather  strength  from  the  study  of  the 
sacred  volume  for  discharging  the  various  duties 
of  life.  You  must  be  with  them  in  their  struggles 
with  poverty  and  observe  how  contentment  is  en- 
gendered by  the  prospect  of  riches  Avhich  cannot 
fade  away.  You  must  be  with  them  on  their  death 
beds  and  mark  how  the  gloom  of  the  opening 
grave  is  scattered  by  a  hope  which  is  "  full  of  im» 
mortality."  And  you  must  be  with  them  —  if  in- 
deed the  spirit  could  be  accompanied  in  its  heaven- 
ward flight  —  as  they  enter  the  divine  presence 
and  prove,  by  taking  possession  of  the  inheritance 
which  the  Bible  offers  to  believers,  that  they  '•'  have 
not  followed  cunningly  devised  fables."  The  sura 
of  happiness  conferred  by  revelation  can  never  be 
snown  until  God  shall  have  laid  open  all  secrets  at 
the  judgment.  We  must  have  access  to  the  history 
of  every  individual,  from  his  childhood  up  to  his 
tntering  his  everlasting  rest,  ere  we  have  the  ele- 
ments from  which  to  compute  what  Christianity 
hath  done  for  those  who  receive  it  into  the  heart. 
And  if  but  one  or  two  were  gathered  out  from  a 
people,  as  a  result  of  conveying  to  that  people 
the  records  of  revelation,  there  would  be,  we  may 
not  doubt,  such  an  amount  of  conferred  benefit  as 


158  MISCELLANEOUS. 

would  sufficiently  prove  the  advantagecusness  of 
possessino^  the  oracles  of  God. 

It  shall  not  be  in  vain  that  God  hath  sent  the 
Bible  to  a  nation  and  caused  the  truths  of  Chris- 
tianity to  be  published  within  its  borders.  —  Melvill. 

RELIGION. 

POLITICAL  eminence  and  professional  fame 
fade  and  die  with  all  things  earthly.  Nothing 
of  character  is  really  permanent  but  virtue  and 
personal  worth.  These  remain.  Real  goodness 
docs  not  attach  itself  merely  to  life  —  it  points  to 
another  world.  Political  and  professional  fame 
cannot  last  forever ;  but  a  conscience  void  of  offence 
before  God  and  man  is  an  inheritance  for  eternity. 
Religion,  therefore,  is  a  necessary,  an  indispensable, 
element  in  any  great  human  character.  There  is  no 
living  without  it.  Religion  is  the  tie  that  connects 
man  with  his  Creator  and  holds  him  to  his  throne. 
If  that  tie  is  sundered  or  broken  he  floats  away  a 
worthless  atom  in  the  universe,  its  proper  attrac- 
tions all  gone,  its  destiny  thwarted,  and  its  whole 
future  nothing  but  darkness,  desolation,  and  death. 
A  man  with  no  sens^  of  religious  duty  is  he  whom 
the  Scriptures  describe  in  so  terse  but  terrific  a 
manner  as  "  living  without  God  in  the  world." 
Such  a  man  is  out  of  his  proper  being,  out  of  the 
circle  of  all  his  duties,  out  of  the  circle  of  all  his 
happiness,  and  away,  far,  far  aAvay,  from  the  pur- 
poses of  his  creation.  —  Daniel  Webster. 


FOLLT    OF    ATHEISM. 


¥ 


HAT  can  be  more  foolish  than  to  think  that  all 
this  rare  fabric  of  heaven  and  earth  should 


MISCELLANEOUS.  159 

come  by  chance^  when  all  the  skill  of  art  is  not 
able  to  make  an  oyster  ?  To  see  rafe  effects  and 
no  cause,  a  motion  without  a  mover,  a  circle  with- 
out a  centre,  a  time  without  an  eternity,  a  second 
without  a  first,  —  these  are  the  things  so  against 
philosophy  and  natural  reason  that  he  must  be  a 
beast  in  his  understanding  who  can  believe  in 
.  them.  The  thing  formed  says  that  nothing  formed 
it ;  and  that  which  is  made  is,  while  that  which 
made  it  is  not!  This  folly  is  infinite.  —  Jeremy 
Taylor. 


A  FFLICTION  is  the  good  man's  shining  scene ; 

Prosperity  conceals  his  brightest  ray  : 

As  night  to  stars,  woe  lustre  gives  to  man. 

Young. 


RELIGION  is  the  great  ornament  and  glory  of 
human  nature  —  that  which  principally  distin- 
guishes men  from  the  inferior  order  of  creatures, 
and  upon  which  alone  are  grounded  all  the  hopes 
of  life  and  happiness  hereafter,  when  this  short  and 
transitory  life  shall  be  passed  away.  In  a  matter 
of  so  great  importance,  therefore,  'tis  very  wonder- 
ful that  any  man  who  calls  himself  a  reasonable 
creature  should  be  careless  and  indifferent ;  care- 
less whether  he  has  any  religion  or  none  ;-  indiflfer- 
ent  whether  his  religion,  when  he  does  possess  any, 
be  true  or  false ;  careless,  when  he  has  embraced 
the  true  religion,  whether  he  makes  any  improve- 
ment in  his  practice  answerable  to  it  or  no.  —  S. 
Clark. 


160  MISCELLANEOUS, 

TTOW  shocking  must  thy  summons  be,  O  Death, 

To  him  tffat  is  at  ease  in  his  possessions, 
Who,  counting  on  long  years  of  pleasure  here, 
Is  quite  unfurnished  for  the  world  to  come  ! 

HE  that  does  not  know  those  things  which  are 
of  use  and  necessity  for  him  to  know  is  but  an 
ignorant  man,  whatever  he  may  be  besides. —  Til- 
lotson. 

"DE  wise  to-day  ;  'tis  madness  to  defer ; 

Next  day  the  fatal  precedent  will  plead  ; 
Thus  on,  till  wisdom  is  pushed  out  of  life.  —  Young. 

HYPOCRISY  itself  does  great  honor,  or  rather 
justice,  to  religion,  and  tacitly  acknowledges  it 
to  be  an  ornament  to  human  nature.  The  hypo- 
crite would  not  be  at  so  much  pains  to  put  on  the 
appearance  of  virtue  if  he  did  not  know  it  was  the 
most  proper  and  effectual  means  to  gain  the  love 
and  esteem  of  mankind.  —  Addison. 

pERFUMES,  the  more  they're  chafed,  the  more 

•^  they  render 

Their  pleasant  scents  ;  and  so  affliction 

Expresseth  virtue  fully,  whether  true 

Or  else  adulterate.  —  J.  Webster. 

THE  truly  great  and  good  in  affliction  bear  a 
countenance  more  princely  than  they  are  wont: 
for  it  is  the  temper  of  the  highest  hearts,  like  the 
palm  tree,  to  strive  most  upwards  when  it  is  most 
burdened.  —  *S.  P.  Sidney. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  161 

AN  industrious  and  virtuous  education  of  children, 
says  Addison,  is  a  better  inheritance  for  them 
than  a  great  estate. 

niRUE  merit,  like  a  river,  the  deeper  it  is,  the  less 
J-   noise  it  makes. 

A  GE  should  fly  concourse,  cover  in  retreat 
■^  Defects  of  judgment,  and  the  will  subdue ; 
Walk  thoughtful  on  the  silent,  solemn  shore 
Of  that  vast  ocean  it  must  sail  so  soon. 

WEEP  not  that  the  world  changes  ;  did  it  keep 
A  stable,  changeless  course,  'twere  cause  to 
weep.  —  Bryant. 


I 


AFFLICTIONS    OP    THE   RIGHTEOUS. 

F  there  be  one  season  at  which,  more  than  at 
-  another,  the  righteous  feel  the  worth  of  revela- 
tion and  the  blessedness  of  obeying  its  precepts, 
the  season  must  be  that  of  danger  and  trouble. 
Whether  the  danger  and  trouble  be  public  or  do- 
mestic, whether  it  be  his  country  or  only  his  own 
household  over  which  calamity  hangs,  the  man  of 
piety  finds  a  consolation  in  religion  Avhich  makes 
him  more  than  ever  prize  the  revealed  will  of  God. 
There  is  a  beauty  and  energy  in  the  Bible  Avhich 
nothing  but  affliction  can  bring  out  and  display; 
and  men  know  comparatively  little  of  the  precious- 
ness  of  scriptural  promises  and  the  magnificence 
of  scriptural  hopes  until  placed  in  circumstances 
of  difficulty  and  distress.  There  are  always  one 
or  two  stations  from  which  you  gain  the  best  view 
11 


162  MISCELLANEOUS. 

of  a  joble  and  diversified  landscape ;  and  it  is 
when  "  constrained  to  dwell  with  Meshech,  and  to 
have  our  habitation  among  the  tents  of  Kedar," 
that  our  gaze  includes  most  of  what  is  glorious  and 
brilliant  in  the  scheme  of  divine  mercy.  It  is  the 
promise  of  God  in  the  ninety-first  psalm,  —  a  prom- 
ise addressed  to  every  one  who  makes  God  his  trust, 
—  "I  will  be  with  him  in  trouble."  But  when  or 
where  is  God  not  with  us  1  "  Whither  shall  I  go 
from  thy  Spirit,  or  whither  shall  I  flee  from  thy 
presence  ?  "  Indeed,  we  well  know  that  every  where 
is  the  universe  full  of  Deity,  and  that  at  no  time 
and  in  no  place  can  we  be  at  a  distance  from  God ; 
and  yet,  as  though  in  the  day  of  darkness  and 
disaster  the  Omnipresent  could  so  redouble  his 
presence  that  every  other  day  should  be,  in  com- 
parison, one  of  absence,  the  promise  is,  "  I  will  be 
with  him  in  trouble."  And  the  promise  is  so  ful- 
filled in  the  experience  of  the  righteous  that  they 
w?il  own  their  sorrows  to  have  been  far  more  than 
compensated  by  the  consolations  afforded  in  the 
hour  of  tribulation,  so  that  it  would  have  been 
clearly  for  their  loss  to  have  escaped  their  trials. 
They  are  gainers  by  their  troubles  ;  for  God  re- 
moves no  good  without  leaving  a  greater.  If  he 
take  away  an  earthly  friend,  he  gives  them  more  of 
himself. 

CONSOLATIONS    OF   RELIGION   ON    THE    LOSS    OF 
FRIENDS. 

LET  us  take  the  case  of  most  frequent  occur- 
rence, but  of  which  frequency  diminishes  nothing 
of  the  bitterness  —  we  mean  the  case  of  the  loss 
of  friends,  the  case  in  which  death  makes  way 
into  a  family  and  carries  off  one  of  the  most  be- 


MISCELLANEOUS.  163 

loved  of  its  members.  It  is  jiight,  deep  night,  in 
a  household  whensoever  this  occurs.  When  the 
loss  is  of  another  kind  it  may  admit  of  repair. 
Property  may  be  injured,  some  cherished  plan  may 
be  frustrated  ;  but  industry  may  be  again  success- 
ful, and  hope  may  fix  its  eye  on  other  objects. 
But  when  those  whom  we  love  best  die,  there  is  no 
comfort  of  this  sort  with  which  we  can  be  comforted. 
For  a  time,  at  least,  the  loss  seems  irreparable  ;  so 
that,  though  the  wounded  sensibilities  may  after- 
wards be  healed,  and  even  turn  to  the  living  as 
they  turned  to  the  dead,  yet,  w^hilst  the  calamity  is 
fresh,  we  repulse  as  injurious  the  thought  that  the 
void  in  our  affections  can  ever  be  filled,  and  are 
persuaded  that  the  blank  in  the  domestic  group 
can  be  occupied  by  nothing  but  the  hallowed  mem- 
cry  of  the  buried.  It  is  therefore  night  in  the 
household,  darkness  —  a  darkness  that  may  be  felt. 
And  philosophy  comes  in  with  its  well-meant  but 
idle  endeavors  to  console  those  who  sit  in  this 
darkness.  It  can  speak  of  the  unavoidableness  of 
death,  of  the  duty  of  bearing  with  manly  fortitude 
what  cannot  be  escaped,  of  the  injuriousness  of 
excessive  grief;  and  it  may  even  hazard  a  conjec- 
ture of  reunion  in  some  world  beyond  the  grave. 
And  pleasure  approaches  with  its  allurements  and 
fascinations,  offering  to  cheat  the  mind  into  forgetful- 
ness  and  whil^j  the  heart  from  its  sadness.  But  nei- 
ther philosophy  nor  pleasure  can  avail  any  thing  in 
the  chamber  of  death  :  the  taper  of  the  one  is  too 
faint  for  so  oppressive  a  gloom,  and  the  torch  of 
the  other  burns  sickly  in  so  unwonted  an  atmos- 
phere. Is,  then,  the  darkness  such  that  those  whom 
it  envelops  are  incai)able  of  being  comforted  ? 
O,  not  so.  There  may  be  those  amongst  your- 
selves who   can   testify  that,  even  in   a   night  so 


1G4  MISCELLANEOUS. 

dreaiy  and  desolate,  there  is  a  source  whence  con- 
solation may  be  drawn.  The  promises  of  Scrip- 
ture are  never  more  strikingly  fulfilled  than  when 
Death  has  made  an  inroad  and  taken  away  at  a 
stroke  some  object  of  deep  love.  Indeed,  it  is  God's 
own  word  to  the  believer,  "  I  will  be  with  him  in 
trouble "  —  as  though  that  presence,  which  can 
never  be  withdrawn,  then  became  more  real  and 
intense. 

What  are  we  to  say  of  cases  which  continually 
present  themselves  to  the  parochial  minister  1  He 
enters  a  house  whose  darkened  windows  proclaim 
that  one  of  its  inmate-s  is  stretched  out  a  corpse. 
He  finds  that  it  is  the  fairest  and  dearest  whom 
Death  has  made  his  prey,  and  that  the  blow  has 
fallen  where  sure  to  be  most  deeply  felt.  And  he 
is  prepared  for  the  burst  of  bitter  sorrow.  He  knows 
that  the  heart,  when  most  purified  by  grace,  is 
made  of  feeling  stuff;  for  grace,  which  removes 
the  heart  of  stone  and  substitutes  that  of  flesh, 
will  refine  rather  than  extinguish  human  sensibili- 
ties. But  what  words  does  he  hear  from  lips 
whence  nothing  but  lamentation  might  have  been 
expected  to  issue  1  "  The  Lord  gave,  and  the 
Lord  hath  taken  away ;  blessed  be  the  name  of  the 
Lord."  The  mother  will  rise  up  from  the  side  of 
her  pale,  still  child  ;  and  though  on  the  cheek  of 
that  child  (alas  !  never  again  to  be  warm  with  affec- 
tion) there  are  tears  which  show  how  a  parent's 
grief  has  overflowed,  she  will  break  into  the  ex- 
clamation of  the  Psalmist.  ''I  will  sing  of  mercy 
and  judgment;  unto  thee,  O  Lord,  will  I  sing." 
And  when  the  slow  windings  of  the  fuueral  pro- 
cession are  seen,  and  the  minister  advances  to  meet 
the  train  and  pours  forth  the  rich  and  inspiriting 
words,  •'  I  urn  the  Resurrection  and  the  Life  ;  he 


MISCELLANEOUS.  165 

that  believeth  in  me,  though  he  vere  dead,  vet 
shall  he  live,"  is  it  only  the  low  murmur  of  sup- 
pressed anguish  by  which  he  is  answered  ?  Can 
he  not  feel  that  there  are  those  in  the  group  whose 
hearts  bound  at  the  magnificent  announcement  ? 
and,  as  he  looks  at  the  mourners,  does  he  not 
gather  from  the  uplifted  eye  and  the  moving  lij)  that 
there  is  one  at  least  who  is  triumphing  in  the  ful- 
filment of  the  prediction.  "  O  Death,  I  will  be  thy 
plagues ;  0  Grave,  I  will  be  thy  destruction  "  ? 

And  what  are  we  to  say  to  these  things  ?  What 
but  that,  in  the  deepest  moral  darkness,  there  can 
be  music  —  music  which  sounds  softer  and  sweeter 
than  by  day,  and  that,  when  the  instruments  of 
human  melody  are  broken,  there  is  a  hand  which 
can  sweep  the  heartstrings  and  wake  the  notes  of 
praise  ?  Yes  :  philosophy  can  communicate  no 
comfort  to  the  afflicted  ;  it  may  enter  where  all  is 
night,  but  it  leaves  what  it  found  even  weeping 
and  wailing.  And  pleasure  may  take  the  lyre 
whose  strains  have  often  seduced"^and  enchanted; 
but  the  worn  and 'wearied  spirit  has  no  ear  in  the 
gloom  for  what  sounded  magically  when  a  thou- 
sand lights  were  blazing.  But  re'ligion,  faith  in 
the  promises  of  that  God  who  is  the  Husband  of  the 
widow  and  the  Father  of  the  fatherless.  — this  can 
cause  the  sorrowing  to  be  glad  in  the  midst  of  their 
sorrow.  —  Melvill. 

BENEFIT    OF    AFFLICTIONS. 

■y'ARIOUS  and  blessed  are  the  fruits  of  affliction. 
y  By  affliction  prayer  is  quickened  :  for  our  devo- 
tions  are  apt  to  grow  languid  and  formal  in  a  time 
of  ease.  They  are  useful,  and  in  a  d*igree  neces- 
sary, to  keep  alive  in  us  a  conviction  of  the  vanity 


166  BIISCEI-LAXEOUS. 

and  unsatisfying  nature  of  the  present  world  and 
all  its  enjoyments  ;  to  remind  us  that  this  is  not  our 
rest ;  and  to  call  our  thoughts  upwards,  where  our 
true  treasure  is  and  where  our  conversation  ought 
to  be.  They  help  us  also  to  understand  the  Scrip- 
tures, especially  the  promises,  most  of  which  being 
made  to  times  of  trouble,  we  cannot  so  well  know 
their  fulness,  sweetness,  and  certainty  as  when 
we  have  been  in  the  situation  to  which  they  are 
suited,  and  have  been  enabled  to  trust  and  plead 
them,  and  found  them  fulfilled  in  our  own  case. 
We  are  usually  indebted  to  affliction,  also,  as  the 
means  or  occasion  of  the  most  signal  discoveries 
we  are  favored  with  of  the  wisdom,  power,  and 
faithfulness  of  the  Lord.  These  are  best  observed 
by  the  evident  proofs  we  have  that  he  is  near  to 
support  us  under  trouble,  and  that  he  can  and  does 
deliver  us  out  of  it.  Afflictions  are  designed,  like- 
wise, for  the  manifestation  of  our  sincerity  to  our- 
selves and  to  others.  When  faith  endures  the  fire, 
we  knoAV  it  to  be  of  the  right  kind  ;  and  others  who 
see  that  we  are  brought  safe  out  and  lose  notliing 
but  the  dross  v/ill  confess  that  God  is  witli  us  of  a 
truth.  Surely  this  thought  should  reconcile  us  to 
suffer,  not  only  with  patience,  but  with  cheerfulness, 
if  God  may  be  glorified  in  us.  This  made  the 
apostle  rejoice  in  tribulation,  that  the  power  of 
Christ  might  be  noticed  as  resting  upon  him  and 
working  mightily  in  him.  Many  of  our  graces, 
likewise,  cannot  thrive  or  show  themselves  to  ad- 
vantage without  trials,  such  as  resignation,  patience, 
meekness,  long  suffering.  So,  again,  it  is  by  our 
own  sufferings  that  we  learn  to  pity  and  sympa- 
thize with  others  in  their  sufferings ;  such  a  com- 
passionate disposition,  which  excites  our  feelings 
for  the  afflicted,  is  an  eminent  branch  of  the  mind 


MISCELLANEOUS.  167 

which  Mas  in  Christ.  But  these  feelings  would  be 
very  faint  if  we  did  not  in  our  experience  know 
what  sorrows  and  temptations  mean.  Afflictions 
do  us  good,  likewise,  as  they  make  us  more  ac- 
quainted with  what  is  in  our  hearts,  and  thereby 
promote  humiliation  and  self-abasement.  And,  to 
say  no  more,  they  are  honorable,  as  they  advance 
our  conformity  to  Him  who  suffered  so  much  for 
us.  Let  us,  then,  ever  bear  them  with  patience  and 
resignation. 

PROVIDENCE    OF   GOD. 

WHERE  is  the  creature  which  God  does  not 
sustain  ?  where  is  the  solitude  wliich  God  does 
not  fill  ?  where  is  the  want  which  God  does  not 
supply"?  where  is  the  motion  which  God  does  not 
direct  1  where  is  the  action  which  God  does  not 
overrule  ?  If,  according  to  the  words  of  the  Psalm- 
ist, we  could  ascend  up  to  heaven  or  make  our  bed 
in  hell,  — if  we  could  take  the  wings  of  the  morning 
and  dwell  in  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  sea,  —  in  all 
this  enoi'mous  travel,  in  this  journey  across  the 
fields  of  unlimited  space,  we  could  never  reach  the 
lonely  spot  at  which  Deity  was  not  present  as  an 
upholder  and  guardian ;  never  find  the  lonely 
world,  no,  nor  the  lonely  scene  on  any  one  of  those 
globes  with  which  immensity  is  strewed,  which  was 
not  as  strictly  watched  by  the  ever-wakeful  eye  of 
Omniscience  as  though  every  where  else  the  uni- 
verse were  a  void,  and  this  the  alone  home  of  life 
and  intelligence.  "VVe  have  an  assurance  which 
nothing  can  shake,  because  derived  from  the  con- 
fessed nature  of  Godhead,  that,  in  all  the  greatness 
of  his  almightiness,  our  Maker  is  perpetually  pass- 
ing from  star  to  star  and  from  s\'stem  to  system, 
that  he  may  observe  what  is  needed  by  every  order 


168  MISCELLANEOUS. 

of  being  and  minister  supply;  and  yet  not  pass- 
ing, for  he  is  always  present  —  present  as  much  at 
one  moment  as  at  another,  and  in  one  world  as  in 
another  immeasurably  distant,  and  covering  Avith 
the  wing  of  his  providence  whatever  he  hath  formed 
and  whatever  he  hath  animated. 

And  if  we  bring  our  thoughts  within  narrower 
compass  and  confine  them  to  the  world  appointed 
for  men's  dwelling,  it  is  a  beautiful  truth  that  there 
cannot  be  the  creature  so  insignificant,  the  care  so 
inconsiderable,  the  action  so  unimportant  as  to  be 
overlooked  by  Him  from  whom  we  draw  being.  I 
know  that  it  is  not  the  monarch  alone,  at  the  head 
of  his  tribes  and  provinces,  who  is  observed  by  the 
Almighty,  and  that  it  is  not  only  at  some  great 
crisis  in  "life  that  an  individual  becomes  an  object 
of  the  attention  of  his  Maker.  I  know  rather  that 
the  poorest,  the  meanest,  the  most  despised  shares 
with  the  monarch  the  notice  of  the  universal  Pro- 
tector, and  that  this  notice  is  so  unwearied  and 
incessant  that,  when  he  goes  to  his  daily  toil  or  his 
daily  prayer,  when  he  lies  down  at  night  or  rises 
in  the  morning,  or  gathers  his  little  ones  to  the 
scanty  meal,  the  poor  man  is  tenderly  watched  by 
his  God  ;  and  he  cannot  weep  the  tear  which  God 
sees  not,  nor  smile  the  smile  which  God  notes  not, 
nor  breathe  the  wish  which  God  hears  not.  The  man 
indeed  of  exalted  rank,  on  whom  may  depend  the 
movements  of  an  empire,  is  regarded  with  a  vigi- 
lance which  never  knows  suspense  by  Him  "  who 
giveth  salvation  unto  kings  ; "  and  the  Lord,  "  to 
whom  belong  the  shields  of  the  earth,"  bestows  on 
this  man  whatever  wisdom  he  displays,  and  what- 
ever strength  he  puts  forth,  and  whatever  success 
he  attains.  But  the  carefulness  of  Deity  is  in  no 
sense  engrossed  by  the  distinguished  individual ; 


MISCELLANEOUS.  169 

but,  just  as  the  regards  which  are  turned  on  this 
earth  interfere  not  with  those  which  pour  them- 
selves over  far-off  planets  and  distant  systems,  so, 
whilst  the  chieftain  is  observed  and  attended  with 
the  assiduousness  of  what  might  seem  an  undivided 
guardianship,  the  very  beggar  is  as  much  the  ob- 
ject of  divine  inspection  and  succor  as  though,  in 
the  broad  sweep  of  animated  being,  there  were  no 
other  to  need  the  sustaining  arm  of  the  Creator. 

And  this  is  what  we  understand  by  the  provi- 
dence of  the  Almighty,  We  believe  of  this  provi- 
dence that  it  extends  itself  to  every  household,  and 
throws  itself  round  every  individual,  and  takes  part 
in  every  business,  and  is  concerned  with  every  sor- 
row, and  accessory  to  every  joy.  We  believe  that 
it  encircles  equally  the  palace  and  the  cottage ; 
guiding  and  upholding  alike  the  poor  and  the 
rich,  ministering  to  the  king  in  his  councils  and  to 
the  merchant  in  his  commerce,  and  to  the  scholar 
in  his  study  and  to  the  laborer  in  his  husbandry ; 
so  that,  whatever  my  rank  and  occupation,  at  no 
moment  am  I  withdrawn  from  the  eye  of  Deity,  in 
no  lawful  endeavor  am  I  left  to  myself,  in  no  secret 
anxiety  have  I  only  my  own  heart  with  which  I 
may  commune.  O,  it  were  to  take  from  God  all 
that  is  most  encouraging  in  his  attributes  and  pi*e- 
rogatives  if  you  could  throw  doubt  on  this  doc- 
trine of  his  universal  providence.  It  is  an  august 
contemplation  —  that  of  the  Almighty  as  the  ar- 
chitect of  creation,  filling  the  vast  void  with  mag- 
nificent structures.  We  are  presently  confounded 
when  bidden  to  meditate  on  the  eternity  of  the 
Most  High;  for  it  is  an  overwhelming  truth,  that 
He  who  gave  beginning  to  all  besides  could  have 
had  no  beginning  himself.  And  there  are  other 
characteristics  and  properties  of  Deity  whose  very 


170  MISCELLANEOUS. 

mention  excites  awe,  and  on  which  the  best  elo- 
quence is  silence.  But  whilst  the  universal  provi- 
dence of  God  is  to  the  full  as  incomprehensible  as 
au<fht  else  which  appertains  to  Divinity,  there  is 
nothing  in  it  but  what  commends  itself  to  the 
warmest  feelings  of  our  nature.  And  we  seem  to 
have  drawn  a  picture  which  is  calculated  equally 
to  raise  astonishment  and  delight,  to  produce  the 
deepest  reverence  and  yet  the  fullest  confidence, 
when  we  have  represented  God  as  superintending 
whatever  occurs  in  his  infinite  domain, — guiding 
the  roll  of  every  planet,  and  the  rush  of  every 
cataract,  and  the  gathering  of  every  cloud,  and  the 
motion  of  every  will,  —  and  when,  in  order  that  the 
delineation  may  have  all  that  exquisiteness  which 
is  only  to  be  obtained  from  those  home  touches 
which  assure  us  that  we  have  ourselves  an  interest 
in  what  is  so  splendid  and  surprising,  we  add  that 
he  is  with  the  sick  man  on  his  jiallet,  and  with  the 
seaman  in  his  danger,  and  with  the  widow  in  her 
agony.  If  I  would  exhibit  God  as  so  attending  to 
what  is  mighty  as  not  to  overlook  what  is  mean, 
what  better  can  I  do  than  declare  him  mustering 
around  him  the  vast  army  of  suns  and  constella- 
tions, and  all  the  while  hearkening  to  every  cry 
which  goes  up  from  an  afflicted  creation  1  And  is 
not  this  the  very  picture  sketched  by  the  Psalmist, 
when,  after  the  sublime  ascription,  "  Thy  kingdom 
is  an  everlasting  kingdom,  and  thy  dominion  en- 
dureth  throughout  all  generations,"  he  adds  the 
comforting  words,  "  The  Lord  upholdeth  all  that 
'"all,  and  lifteth  up  all  those  that  be  bowed  down"  "* 


MISCELLANEOUS.  171 

GOD  S   SPECIAL   PROVIDENCE. 

ARE  we  to  suppose  that  this  or  that  ephemeral 
thing,  the  tiny  tenant  of  a  leaf  or  a  bubble,  is 
too  insignificant  to  be  obsei-ved  by  God,  and  that  it 
is  absurd  to  think  that  the  animated  point  whose 
existence  is  a  second  occupies  any  portion  of  those 
inspections  which  have  to  spread  themselves  over 
the  revolutions  of  planets  and  the  movements 
of  angels  "?  Then  to  Avhat  authorship  are  we  to 
refer  this  ephemeral  thing "?  We  subject  it  to  the 
powers  of  the  microscope,  and  are  amazed,  perhaps, 
at  observing  its  exquisite  symmetries  and  adorn- 
ments, with  what  skill  it  has  been  fashioned,  with 
what  glory  it  has  been  clothed ;  but  we  find  it  said 
that  it  is  dishonoring  to  God  to  suppose  him 
careful  or  observant  of  this  insect ;  and  then  our 
difficulty  is,  who  made,  who  created,  this  insect  ?  I 
know  not  what  there  can  be  too  inconsiderable  for 
the  providence,  if  it  have  not  been  too  inconsider 
able  for  the  creation,  of  God.  What  it  was  not 
unworthy  of  God  to  form,  it  cannot  be  unworthy 
of  God  to  preserve.  Why  declare  any  thing  ex- 
cluded by  its  insignificance  from  his  watchfulness 
which  could  not  have  been  produced  but  by  his 
power  ?  Thus  the  universal  providence  of  God  is 
little  more  than  an  infei-ence  from  the  truth  of  his 
being  the  universal  Creator.  And  men  may  speak 
of  the  littleness  of  this  or  that  creature,  and  ask 
how  he  can  believe  that  the  animalcule  scarce  per- 
ceptible as  it  floats  by  us  on  the  evening  breeze 
is  observed  and  cared  for  by  that  Being,  inacces- 
sible in  his  sublimity,  who  "  sitteth  upon  the  circle 
of  the  earth,  and  the  inhabitants  thereof  are  as 
grasshoppers  :  "  but  we  ask  in  reply,  whether  or  no 
it  be  God  who  gave  its  substanc  e  and  animation  to 


172  MISCELLANEOUS. 

this  almost  invisible  atom ;  and  unless  they  can 
point  out  to  us  another  creator,  we  shall  hold  that 
it  must  be  every  way  worthy  of  God  that  he  should 
turn  all  the  watchfulness  of  a  guardian  on  the 
work  of  his  own  hands. 

MIRTH,  says  Addison,  is  like  the  flash  of  light- 
ning that  breaks  through  the  gloom  of  the 
clouds  and  glitters  for  a  moment ;  cheerfulness 
keeps  up  a  daylight  in  the  soul,  filling  it  with  a 
steady  and  perpetual  serenity. 

A  MIND  full  of  piety  and  knowledge  is  always 
rich ;  it  is  a  bank  that  never  fails ;  it  yields  a 
perpetual  dividend  of  happiness. 

THE  wages  that  sin  bargains  for  with  the  sinner 
are  life,  pleasure,  and  profit ;  but  the  wages  it 
pays  him  are  death,  torment,  and  destruction.  To 
understand  the  falsehood  and  deceit  of  sin,  we 
must  compare  its  promises  and  payments  together. 
—  South. 

«^  TF  men  knew  what  felicity,"  says  Bishop  Taylor, 
-1-  "  dwells  in  the  cottage  of  a  virtuous  man,  how 
sound  he  sleeps,  how  quiet  his  rest,  how  composed 
his  mind,  how  free  from  care,  how  easy  his  position, 
how  joyful  his  heart,  they  would  never  admire  the 
nois-es,  the  throngs  of  passions,  and  the  violence 
of  unnatural  appetites  that  fill  the  house  of  the 
luxurious  and  the  heart  of  the  ambitious." 

THE  strength  and  safety  of  a  community  consist 
in  the  virtue  and  intelligence  of  its  youth,  es- 
pecially of  its  young  men.  —  Hawes. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  173 

GOOD  temper  is  like  a  sunny  day  —  it   sheds  a 
brightness  on  ev'ery  thing. 

SINGULARITY  is  laudable  when,  in  contradic- 
^  tion  to  a  multitude,  it  adheres  to  the  dictates 
of  morality  and  honor.  In  these  cases  we  ought 
to  consider  that  it  is  not  custom,  but  duty,  which  is 
the  rule  of  action,  and  that  we  should  be  only  so 
far  sociable  as  we  are  reasonable  creatures.  Truth 
is  never  the  less  so  for  not  being  attended  to  ;  and 
it  is  the  nature,  not  the  number,  of  actions  by  which 
we  ought  to  regulate  our  behavior.  Singularity  in 
concerns  of  this  kind  ought  to  be  looked  upon  as 
heroic  bravery,  in  which  a  man  leaves  the  species 
only  as  he  soars  above  it.  What  greater  instance 
can  there  be  of  a  weak  and  pusillanimous  temper 
than  for  a  man  to  pass  his  whole  life  in  opposition 
to  his  sentiments,  or  not  to  be  what  he  thinks  he 
ought  to  be  ? 

EXTRACT   FEOM   A    LETTER   IN    RELATION   TO 
PRAYER. 

^^  TT  is  good  for  us  to  draw  nigh  to  God.  It  is 
-L  an  honor  that  he  permits  us  to  pi'ay  ;  and  v/'e 
shall  surely  find  that  he  is  a  prayer-hearing  God, 
Endeavor  to  be  diligent  in  the  means  ;  yet  watch 
and  strive  against  a  legal  spirit,  which  is  always 
aiming  to  represent  him  as  a  hard  Master,  watching 
as  it  were  to  take  advantage  of  us.  But  it  is  far 
•  otherwise.  His  name  is  Love  ;  he  looks  upon  us 
with  compassion  ;  he  knows  our  frame  and  remem- 
bers that  we  are  but  dust ;  and  when  our  infirmi- 
ties prevail  he  does  not  bid  us  despond,  but  reminds 
us  that  we  have  an  Advocate  with  the  Father,  who 
is  able  to  pity,  to  pardon,  and  to  save  to  the  utter- 


174  MISCELLANEOUS. 

most.  Think  of  the  names  and  relations  he  bears. 
Does  he  not  call  himself  a- !5avior,  a  Shephei-d,  a. 
Friend,  and  a  Husband  "i  Has  he  not  made  known 
to  us  his  love,  his  blood,  his  righteousness,  his 
promises,  his  power,  and  his  grace,  and  all  for  our 
encouragement  ?  Away,  then,  with  all  doubting, 
unbelieving  thoughts;  they  will  not  only  distress 
your  heart,  but  Aveaken  your  hands.  Take  it  for 
granted,  upon  the  warrant  of  his  w^ord,  that  you 
are  his  and  he  is  yours  ;  that  he  has  loved  you  with 
an  everlasting  love,  and  therefore  in  loving  kind- 
ness has  drawn  you  to  himself;  that  he  will  surely 
accomplish  that  which  he  has  begim,  and  that  noth- 
ing which  can  be  named  or  thought  of  shall  ever 
be  able  to  separate  you  from  him.  This  persuasion 
will  give  you  strength  for  the  battle ;  this  is  the 
shield  which  will  quench  the  fiery  darts  of  Satan ; 
this  is  the  helmet  which  the  enemy  cannot 
pierce.  Whereas,  if  we  go  forth  doubting  and 
fearing,  and  are  afraid  to  trust  any  farther  than  we 
can  feel,  we  are  weak  as  water  and  easily  overcome. 
Be  strong,  therefore,  not  in  yourself,  but  in  the 
grace  that  is  in  Christ  Jesus. 

THE   LOVE    OF   GOD   FULLY   DEMONSTRATED  ONLY 
BY   REVELATION. 

WE  may  confess  that  he  who  looks  not  at  this 
attribute  through  the  person  and  work  of  the 
Mediator  may  obtain  ideas  of  it  which  shall,  in 
certain  respects,  be  correct.  And  yet,  after  all,  it- 
would  be  hard  to  prove  satisfactorily,  by  natural 
theology,  that  "  God  is  love."  There  may  be  a 
kind  of  poetical  or  Arcadian  divinity  drawn  from 
the  brightness  of  sunshine  and  the  rich  enamel  of 
flowers,  and  the  deep,  dark  blue  of  a  sleeping  lake. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  175 

And,  taking  the  glowing  landscape  as  their  page 
of  theology,  men  may  sketch  to  themselves  God 
unlimited  in  his  benevolence.  But  wiien  tlie  sun- 
shine is  succeeded  by  the  darkness,  and  the  flowers 
are  withered,  and  the  waters  wrought  into  madness, 
can  they  find  in  the  wrath  and  devastation  that 
assurance  of  God's  love  which  they  derived,  un- 
hesitatingly, from  the  calm  and  the  beauty  ?  The 
matter  of  fact  we  hold  to  be,  that  natural  theology, 
at  the  best,  is  a  system  of  uncertainties,  a  balancing 
of  opposites.  I  should  draw  different  conclusions 
from  the  genial  breathings  of  one  day  and  the 
desolating  simoom  of  the  next.  And  though,  when 
I  had  thrown  me  down  on  an  alpine  summit,  and 
looked  forth  on  the  clusterings  of  the  grand  and 
the  lovely,  canopied  with  an  azure  that  was  full  of 
glory,  a  hope  that  my  Creator  loved  me  might 
have  been  gathered  from  scenery  teeming  with  im- 
presses of  kindness,  and  apparently  sending  out 
from  waving  forests,  and  gushing  fountains,  and 
smiling  villages  the  anthem  of  an  acknowledg- 
ment that  God  is  infinitely  beneficent,  yet  if,  on  a 
sudden,  there  passed  around  me  the  rushings  of  the 
hurricane,  and  tliere  came  up  from  the  valleys  the 
shrieks  of  an  affrighted  peasantry,  and  the  torrents 
went  down  in  their  strength,  sweeping  away  the 
labor  of  man's  hands  and  the  corn  and  the  wood 
which  had  crowned  the  fields  as  a  diadem,  O,  the 
confidence  which  had  been  given  me  by  an  exhibi- 
tion which  appeared  eloquent  of  the  benevolence 
of  Godhead  would  yield  to  horror  and  trepidation 
whilst  the  eternal  One  seemed  walking  before 
me,  the  tempest  his  voice  and  the  lightning  his 
glance,  and  a  fierce  devastation  in  his  every  foot- 
print. 

Now,  we  maintain   that  the  rectifying  medium 


176  MISCELLANEOUS. 

must  be  the  person  and  work  of  the  Savior. 
When  we  observe  that  God  loved  us  so  well  as 
to  give  his  Son  to  death  for  us,  we  perceive  that 
the  immenseness  of  this  love  leaves  Imagination 
far  behind  in  her  least  fettered  soarings.  But  when 
we  also  observe  that  love  so  unheard  of  could  not 
advance  straight  to  the  rescue  of  its  objects,  but 
must  wait  ere  it  could  breathe  words  of  forgiveness 
to  the  fallen,  the  outworkings  of  a  task  of  ignominy 
and  blood,  there  must  vanish  at  once  the  idle  ex- 
pectancy of  a  tenderness  not  proof  against  the  cry 
of  despair;  and  we  must  learn  (unless  we  wilfully 
close  the  mind  against  conviction)  that  the  loA^e  of 
a  holy,  and  righteous,  and  immutable  Being  is  that 
amazing  principle  which  can  stir  the  universe  in 
our  behalf  during  the  season  of  grace,  and  yet, 
as  soon  as  that  season  has  terminated,  resign 
us  unhesitatingly  to  the  ministry  of  vengeance. 
Thus,  take  the  truth  of  God's  love  out  of  Jesus, 
and  you  will  dress  up  a  weak  sympathy  which  can- 
not permit  the  punishment  of  the  disobedient. 
But,  on  the  other  hand,  take  this  truth  "  as  it  is  in 
Jesus,"  and  you  have  the  love  immeasurable  in 
its  stature,  but  uncompromising  in  its  penalties  ; 
eager  to  deliver  the  meanest  who  repents,  yet  nerved 
to  abandon  the  thousands  who  die  hardened ; 
threatening;  therefore,  the  obdurate  in  the  very  de- 
gree that  it  encourages  the  penitent. 

TENDERNESS    OF    GOD. 

LET  all  ponder  the  simple  truth,  that  the  having 
in  their  hands  a  Bible,  which  wondrously  exhi- 
bits the  tenderness  of  Deity,  will  leave  us  without 
excuse  if  not  found  at  last  at  peace  with  our  Maker. 
For  we  are  not  naturally  inaccessible  to  kindness. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  177 

We  are  so  constituted  that  a  word  of  sympathy 
when  we  are  in  trouble  goes  at  once  to  the  heart, 
and  even  the  look  of  compassion  acts- as  a  cordial 
and  excites  gi'ateful  feelings.  We  have  only  to  he 
brought  into  circumstances  of  pain  and  perplexity, 
and  immediately  we  show  ourselves  acutely  sensi- 
tive to  the  voice  of  consolation  ;  and  any  of  our 
fellow-creatures  has  only  to  approach  us  in  the 
character  of  a  comforter,  and  we  feel  ourselves 
drawn  out  towards  the  benevolent  being,  and  give 
him  at  once  our  thankfulness  and  friendship.  But 
it  is  not  thus  with  reference  to  God.  God  comes 
to  us  in  the  hour  of  anxiety,  bidding  us  cast  all 
our  care  upon  him  ;  but  we  look  round  for  another 
resting-place.  He  comes  to  us  in  the  season  of 
affliction,  offering  us  the  oil  and  wine  of  heavenly 
consolation  ;  but  we  hew  out  for  ourselves  "  broken 
cisterns.''  He  approaches  in  the  moment  of  dan- 
ger, proffering  us  refuge  and  succor:  but  we  trust 
in  our  own  strength,  or  seek  help  from  those  who  are 
weak  as  ourselves.  But  let  us  be  well  assured  that 
this  single  circumstance,  that  God  hath  revealed 
himself  as  a  comforter  to  those  whose  conditioVi 
makes  them  need  comfort,  will  prove  us  inexcusa- 
ble if  we  die  without  giving  him  the  heart's  best 
affections.  He  acts  upon  us  in  the  manner  in  which, 
both  from  our  necessities  and  our  susceptibilities, 
there  is  the  greatest  likelihood  of  our  being  moved 
to  the  making  him  the  prime  object  of  our  love. 
And  if,  notwithstanding,  Ave  prefer  the  creatui'e  to 
the  Creator,  what  shall  we  have  to  urge  when  He 
who  now  deals  with  us  in  mercy  begins  to  deal 
with  us  in  vengeance  1 
12 


178  JIISCELLANEOUS. 

LETTER    OF    THE    REV.   J.   NEWTON. 

^'  l\/rADAM :  Your  welfare  I  rejoice  in ;  your  war* 
-L'l  fare  I  understand  something  of.  St.  Paul  de- 
scribes his  own  case  in  few  words  :  '  Without  were 
fip^htings,  within  were  fears.'  Does  not  this  com- 
prehend all  you  could  say  ?  And  how  are  you 
to  know  experimentalbj  either  your  own  weakness,  or 
the  power,  wisdom,  and  grace  of  God,  seasonably 
and  sufficiently  afforded,  but  by  frequent  and  vari- 
ous trials'?  How  are  the  graces  of  patience,  resig- 
nation, meekness,  and  faith  to  be  discovered  ana 
increased  but  by  exercise  '?  God  has  called  and 
and  armed  us  for  the  fight ;  and  shall  we  wish  to 
be  excused  "^  Shall  we  not  rather  rejoice  that  we 
have  the  honor  to  appear  in  such  a  cause,  under 
such  a  Captain,  such  a  banner,  and  in  such  com- 
pany 1  A  complete  suit  of  armor  is  provided, 
weapons  not  to  be  resisted,  ajid  precious  balm  to 
heal  us  if  haply  we  receive  a  wound,  and  precious 
ointment  to  revive  us  when  we  are  in  danger  of 
fainting.  Further,  we  are  assured  of  the  victory 
beforehand  ;  and  O,  v/hat  a  crown  is  prepai-ed  for 
the  conqueror,  Avhich  our  gracious  Savior  will 
place  u])on  every  faithful  head  with  his  own  hand  ! 
Then  let  us  not  be  weary  and  faint ;  for  in  due 
season  we  shall  reap.  The  time  is  short ;  and  yet 
a  little  while,  and  the  struggle  of  indwelling  sin 
and  the  contradiction  of  sinners  shall  be  known 
no  more.  You  are  blessed  because  you  hunger 
and  thirst  after  righteousness  :  he  whose  name  is 
Amen  has  said  you  shall  be  tilled.  *  *  *  The 
joy  of  the  Lord  is  the  strength  of  his  people ; 
whereas  unbelief  makes  our  heads  hang  down  and 
our  knees  feeble,  dispirits  ourselves  and  discourages 
others  :  and  though  it  steals  upon  us  under  a  senv 


MISCELLANEOUS.  179 

blance  of  humility,  it  is,  in  fact,  the  very  essence  of 
pride.  By  inward  and  outward  exercises  God  is 
promoting  the  best  desire  of  your  heart-  and  answer- 
ing your  daily  pra3-ers.  Would  you  have  assur- 
ance 1  The  true,  solid  assurance  is  to  be  obtained 
in  no  other  way.  When  young  Christians  are 
greatly  comforted  with  the  divine  love  and  pres- 
ence, their  doubts  and  fears  are  for  that  season  at 
an  end.  But  this  is  not  assurance  ;  for,  so  soon  as 
God  hides  his  face,  they  are  troubled,  and  ready  to 
question  the  very  foundation  of  hope.  Assurance 
grows  by  repeated  conflicts,  by  our  repeated  experi- 
mental proof  of  God's  power  and  goodness  to  save 
when  we  have  been  brought  very  low  and  helped  ; 
sorely  wounded  and  healed  ;  cast  down  and  raised 
again ;  have  given  up  all  hope  and  been  suddenly 
snatched  from  danger  and  placed  in  safety  ;  and 
when  these  things  have  been  repeated  to  us  and  in 
us  a  thousand  times  over,  we  begin  to  learn  to 
trust  simply  to  the  woi'd  of  God  beyond  and 
against  appearances  ;  and  this  trust,  when  habitual 
and  strong,  bears  the  name  of  assurance  ;  for  even 
assurance  has  degrees.  *  *  *  How  little  does 
the  world  know  of  that  intercourse  which  is 
carried  on  between  heaven  and  earth  !  what  peti- 
tions are  daily  presented  and  what  answers  are 
received  at  the  throne  of  grace  !  O  the  blessed 
privilege  of  prayer  !  O  the  wonderful  love,  care, 
attention,  and  power  of  our  great  Shepherd!  His 
eye  is  always  upon  us  ;  when  our  spirits  are  almost 
overwhelmed  within  us  he  knoweth  our  path.  His 
ear  is  always  open  to  us ;  let  who  will  overlook 
and  disappoint  us,  he  will  not.  When  means  and 
hope  fail,  when  every  thing  looks  dark  upon  us, 
when  we  seem  shut  up  on  every  side,  when  we  are 
brought  to  the  lowest  ebb,  still  our  help  is  in  the 


180  JirSCELLANEODS. 

name  of  the  Lord  who  made  heaven  aud  earth. 
To  him  nil  things  are  possible ;  and  before  the  ex- 
ertion of  his  power,  when  he  is  pleased  to  arise 
and  work,  all  hinderances  give  way  and  vanish  like 
a  mist  before  the  sun.  And  he  can  so  manifest 
himself  to  the  soul  and  cause  his  goodness  to  pass 
before  it  that  the  hour  of  affliction  shall  be  the 
golden  hour  of  consolation.  *  #  *  Circum- 
stances and  creatures  may  change  ;  but  he  will  be 
an  unchangeable  Friend.  The  way  is  rough ;  but 
he  trod  it  before  us,  and  is  now  with  us  in  every 
step  we  take  ;  and  every  step  brings  us  nearer  to 
our  heavenly  home.  Our  inheritance  is  surely 
reserved  for  us,  and  we  shall  be  kept  for  it  through 
faith.  Our  present  strength  is  small,  and,  without 
a  fresh  supply,  would  be  quickly  exhausted  ;  but 
he  has  engaged  to  renew  it  from  day  to  day ;  and 
he  Avill  soon  appear  to  wipe  all  tears  from  our  eyes, 
and  then  we  shall  appear  with  him  in  glory." 

ADAPTEDNESS    OF    THE    GOSPEL    TO    THE    POOR. 

OF  how  much  beauty  we  should  strip  the  gospel 
if  we  stripped  the  world  of  poverty  !  It  is  one 
of  the  prime  and  distinguishing  features  of  the 
character  of  Deity,  as  revealed  to  us  in  Scripture, 
that  the  poor  man,  just  as  well  as  the  rich  man,  is 
the  object  of  his  watchfulness  ;  that,  with  an  atten- 
tion undistracted  l)y  the  multiplicity  of  complex 
concernments,  he  bows  himself  down  to  the  cry 
of  the  meanest  outcast ;  so  that  there  is  not  a  smile 
upon  a  poor  man's  cheek,  and  there  is  not  a  tear 
in  a  poor  man's  eye,  which  passes  any  more  un- 
heeded by  our  God  than  if  the  individual  were  a 
monai'ch  on  his  throne  and  thousands  crouched 
in  vassalage   before   him      Wc   allow  that  when 


MISCELLANEOUS.  181 

thought  has  busied  itself  in  traversing  the  circuits 
of  creation,  shooting  rapidly  from  one  to  another 
of  those  sparkling  systems  which  crowd  immensity, 
and  striving  to  scrutinize  the  ponderous  mechanism 
of  a  universe,  each  department  of  which  is  full  of 
the  harmonies  of  glorious  order,  —  we  allow  that, 
after  so  sublime  a  research,  it  is  difficult  to  bring 
down  the  mind  to  the  belief  that  the  affairs  of  an 
individual  and  seemingly  insignificant  race  are' 
watched  over  with  as  careful  a  solicitude  as  if 
that  race  were  the  sole  tenant  of  infinite  space, 
and  this  our  globe  as  much  covered  by  the  wing 
of  the  Omnipotent  as  if  it  had  no  associates  in 
wheeling  round  his  throne.  Yet,  Avhen  even  this 
belief  is  attained,  the  contemplation  has  not  risen 
to  one  half  of  its  augustness.  We  must  break  up 
the  race  piecemeal ;  we  must  take  man  by  man, 
and  woman  by  woman,  and  child  by  child ;  we 
must  observe  that  to  no  two  individuals  are  there 
assigned  circumstances  in  every  respect  similar, 
but  that  each  is  a  kind  of  world  by  himself,  with 
his  own  allotments,  his  own  trials,  his  own  mercies  ; 
and  then  only  do  we  reach  the  climax  of  what  is 
beautiful  and  strange  when  we  parcel  out  our 
species  into  its  separate  units,  and  decide  that  not 
one  of  these  units  is  overlooked  by  the  Almighty, 
but  that  just  as  it  is  the  same  hand  which  paints 
the  enamel  of  a  flower  and  guides  the  rolling  of  a 
planet,  so  it  is  the  same  guardianship  which  regu- 
lates the  rise  and  fall  of  empires,  and  leads  the 
most  unknown  individual  when  he  goeth  forth  to 
seek  his  daily  bread.  Now,  who  perceives  not  that, 
by  removing  the  poor  altogether  from  amongst  us, 
we  should  greatly  obscure  this  amazing  exhibition  1 
—  Melvill. 


182  MISCELLANEOUS. 

MYSTERY. 

THE  Bible  tells  me  explicitly  that  Christ  was 
God ;  and  it  tells  me  as  explicitly  that  Christ 
was  man.  It  does  not  go  on  to  state  the  modus  or 
manner  of  the  union.  I  stop,  therefore,  where  the 
Bible  stops.  I  bow  before  a  God-man  as  my  Medi- 
ator; but  I  own  as  inscrutable  tin-  mysteries  of  his 
person. 

It  is  thus  also  with  the  doctrine  of  the  Trinity. 
Three  persons  are  set  before  me  as  equally  divine. 
At  the  same  time,  I  am  taught  that  there  is  only 
one  God,  How  can  the  three  be  one,  and  the  one 
be  three  1  Silent  as  the  grave  is  the  Bible  on  this 
wonder.  But  I  do  not  reject  its  speech  because 
of  its  silence.  I  believe  in  three  divine  per- 
sons because  told  of  a  Trinity ;  I  believe  in  one 
only  God  because  told  of  a  Unity  ;  but  I  leave 
to  the  developments  of  a  nobler  sphere  of  exist- 
ence the  clearing  up  the  marvel  of  a  Trinity  in 
Unity.  —  Melvill. 

EEV.    C.    SIMEON. 

IN  the  month  of  September,  1836,  this  gentleman 
took  cold,  and  was  soon  after,  at  the  age  of  seven- 
ty-six, laid  upon  his  death  bed.  In  answer  to  an  in- 
quiry whether  he  were  supported  by  divine  consola- 
tions, he  said,  "  I  never  felt  so  ill  before  ;  I  think  my 
present  state  cannot  last  long  ;  but  here  I  lie  wait- 
ing for  the  issue  without  fear,  without  a  doubt, 
and  without  a  wish."  On  a  question  being  asked, 
"  What  had  been  lately  passing  in  his  mind,  and 
of  what  he  was  at  that  time  more  particularly 
thinking  ?  "  he  replied,  in  the  most  animated  man- 
ner, "I  do  not  think  now  —  I  sxva  enjoy inyP     He 


MISCELLANEOUS.  183 

also  described  his  perfect  acquiescence  in  the  will 
of  God,  saying,  with  energy,  "  He  cannot  do  any 
thing  against  my  will."  ''  Whether  I  am  to  have  a 
little  less  suffering  or  a  little  more,"  he  said,  on 
another  occasion,  "it  matters  not.  All  is  right 
and  well,  and  just  as  it  sj^ould  be  ;  I  am  in  my  dear 
Father's  hands  —  all  is  secure.  When  I  look  to 
HIM,  I  see  nothing  hxxt  faithfulness^  and  immutability, 
and  truth;  and  I  have  not  a  doubt  or  a  fear,  but 
the  sweetest  peace;  I  cannot  have  more  peace.  But 
if  I  look  another  way,  —  to  the  poor  creature,  — 
O,  then  there  is  nothing,  nothing,  nothing  but  what  is 
to  be  abhorred  and  mourned  over." 

As  his  end  drew  near  he  broke  out,  "  It  is  said. 
'  O  Death,  where  is  thy  sting  "? ' "  Then,  looking 
at  us  as  we  stood  around  his  bed,  he  asked,  in  an 
impressive  manner,  "  Do  you  see  any  sting  liere  ?  " 

We  answered,  "No,  indeed;  it  "is  all  taken 
away." 

He  then  said,  "  Does  not  this  prove  that  my 
principles  were  not  founded  on  fancies  or  enthusi- 
asm, but  that  there  is  a  reality  in  them  ?  And  I 
find  them  sufficient  to  support  me  in  death." 

Thus  departed  a  laborious  servant  of  God.  He 
died  November  13,  1836. 

EXPERIENCE    THE   TOUCHSTONE    OF   FAITH. 

¥E  may  say  of  experience  that  it  is  a  kind  of 
touchstone  to  which  faith  should  be  brought ; 
for,  whilst  we  would  set  ourselves  most  earnestly 
and  most  assiduously  against  the  resolving  religion 
into  a  mere  thing  of  frames  and  of  feelings,  we 
are  bound  to  hold  that  it  is  no  matter  of  frigid  or 
heartless  speculation,  but  that  a  real  Christian 
must  have  a  real  sense  of  the  power  and  precious- 


184  MISCELLANEOUS. 

ness  of  Christ.  We  consider  that  it  would  be  alto- 
gether idle  to  maintain  that  a  man  may  believe  in 
Christ  as  a  Savior  for  months  or  years,  and  yet 
have  no  icitness  in  himself  to  the  energies  of  that 
Being  towards  whom  his  faith  is  directed.  Faith  is 
that  mighty  though  mysterious  principle  which 
attaches  a  man  to  Christ.  And  we  may  fairly  set 
it  down  as  impossible  that  there  should  be  actual 
membership  between  ourselves  and  the  Mediator, 
and  yet  nothing  of  personal  practical  acquaintance 
with  his  sufficiencies  for  the  office  which  he  fills. 
He  who  believes  will  taste  and  see  that  the  Lord  is 
gracious  ;  and  knowledge  being  superadded  to  faith, 
he  will  be  his  own  testimony  that  the  Bible  is  no 
cunningly  devised  fable  ;  but  that  Christ  crucified, 
though  unto  the  Jews  a  stumbling  block  and  unto  the 
Greeks  foolishness^  is,  nevertheless,  the  power  of  God 
and  the  ivisdom  of  God.  —  Melvill. 

SALVATION ITS    GREATNESS. 

SALVATION  is  great  because  of  the  agency 
through  which  it  was  effected.  You  know  that 
the  Author  of  our  redemption  was  none  other 
than  the  eternal  Son  of  God,  who  had  covenanted 
from  the  first  to  become  the  surety  of  the  fallen. 
It  came  not  within  the  power  of  an  angel  to  make 
atonement  for  our  sins  :  the  angelic  nature  might 
have  been  united  to  the  human  ;  but  there  would 
not  have  been  dignity  in  the  one  to  give  the  re- 
quired worth  to  the  sufferings  of  the  other.  So 
far  as  we  have  the  power  of  ascertaining,  it  would 
seem  that  no  being  but  the  Divine,  taking  to  him- 
self flesh,  could  have  satisfied  justice  in  the  stead 
of  fallen  men.  But  then  this  is  precisely  the  ar- 
rangement which  has  been  made  on  our  behalf.\ 


MISCELLANEOUS.  185 

It  was  the  second  person  in  the  ever-blessed  Trini- 
ty who,  compassionating  the  ruin  which  transgres- 
sion had  brought  on  this  earth,  assumed  our  nature, 
exhausted  our  curse,  and  died  our  death.  And 
cei'tainly,  if  there  be  an  aspect  under  which  re- 
demption appears  gi'eat,  it  is  when  surveyed  as  the 
achievement  of  the  only  begotten  of  the  Father. 
The  majesty  of  the  Agent  gives  stupendousness  to 
the  work,  and  causes  it  to  dilate  till  it  far  exceeds 
comprehension.  It  is  mainly  on  this  account  that 
we  can  declare  even  imagination  unable  to  increase 
the  greatness  of  the  arrangement  for  our  rescue. 
This  arrangement  demanded  that  God  himself 
should  become  man  and  sustain  all  the  wrath 
which  sin  had  provoked ;  and  what  can  be  imagined 
more  amazing  than  the  fact  that  what  the  arrange- 
ment demanded  literally  took  place  1  The  prob- 
lem, how  God  could  be  just  and  yet  the  justifier 
of  sinners,  baffled  all  finite  intelligence,  because  a  di- 
vine person  alone  could  mediate  between  God  and 
man  ;  and  if  created  wisdom  could  have  discovered 
the  necessity,  it  would  never  have  surmised  the 
possibility. 

Now,  certainly  that  which,  more  than  any  thing 
else,  rendered  human  redemption  insupposable, 
when  submitted  to  the  understanding  of  the  very 
highest  of  creatures,  must  be  confessed  to  be  also 
that  which  gives  a  sublime  awfulness  to  the  plan 
and  invests  it  with  a  grandeur  which  increases  as 
we  gaze.  In  looking  at  the  cross  and  considering 
that  our  sins  are  laid  upon  the  Being  who  hangs 
there  in  weakness  and  ignominy,  the  overcoming 
thought  is,  that  this  Being  is  none  other  than  the 
everlasting  God,  and  that,  hoAvever  he  seems 
mastered  by  the  powers  of  wickedness,  he  could 
by  a  single  word,  uttered  from  the  tree  on  which 


1S6  MISCELT.ANEOUS. 

he  immolates  himself,  scatter  the  universe  into 
nothing'  and  call  up  an  assemblage  of  new  worlds 
and  new  systems.  This  makes  salvation  great  — 
I  shall  know  how  great  Avhen  I  can  measure  the 
distance  between  the  eternal  and  the  perishable, 
omnipotence  and  feebleness,  immortality  and  death. 
But  if  salvation  is  great  because  the  Savior  is  di- 
vine, assuredly  the  greatness  of  salvation  proves 
the*  peril  of  neglect.  To  neglect  the  salvation 
must  be  to  throw  scorn  on  the  Savior.  O,  if  it 
give  an  unmeasured  vastness  to  the  work  of  our 
redemption  that  He  who  undertook  and  carried  on 
and  completed  that  work  was  ''  the  brightness  of  the 
Father's  glory  and  the  express  image  of  his  per- 
son," —  if  the  fact  that  He  "  who  bare  our  sins 
in  his  own  body  on  the  tree,"  was  that  illustrious 
Being  "  for  whom  are  all  things  and  by  whom  are 
all  things,"  magnify  our  rescue  from  death  till 
thought  itself  tfails  to  overtake  its  boundaries.  — 
then  there  is  a  greatness  in  the  proifered  deliver- 
ance, derived  from  the  greatness  of  the  Deliverer, 
which  proclaims  us  ruined  if  we  treat  the  offer  with 
contempt.  —  Meloill. 

EXTRACT    FROM  A  LETTER    OF   THE   REV.   MR. 
NEWTON. 

"  GURELY,  when  we  see  the  most  and  the  best 
^^  of  the  Lord's  children  so  often  in  heaviness, 
and  when  v/e  consider  how  much  he  loves  them 
and  what  he  has  done  and  prepared  for  them,  we 
may  take  it  for  granted  that  there  is  a  need  be  for 
their  sufferings.  For  it  would  be  easy  to  his 
power,  and  not  a  thousandth  part  of  what  his  love 
mtends  to  do  for  them,  should  he  make  their  whole 
life  here,  from  the  hour  of  their  conversion  to  their 


MISCELLANEOUS.  187 

death,  a  continued  course  of  satisfaction  and  com- 
fort, without  any  thiug  to  distress  them  from  with- 
in or  without.  But  were  it  so,  should  we  not  miss 
many  advantages  1  In  the  first  place,  we  should 
not  then  be  very  conformable  to  our  Head,  nor  be 
able  to  say,  '  As  he  was.  so  are  we,  in  the  world.' 
Methinks  a  believer  would  be  ashamed  to  be  so 
utterly  unlike  his  Lord.  What  !  the  Master  always 
a  man  of  sorrows  and  acquainted  with  grief,  and 
the  servant  always  happy  and  full  of  comfort  •, 
Christ  despised,  reproached,  neglected,  opposed, 
and  betrayed,  and  his  people  admired  and  caressed  ; 
he  living  in  the  want  of  all  things,  and  they 
filled  with  abundance  ;  he  sweating  blood  for  an- 
guish, and  they  strangers  to  distress ;  how  unsuit- 
able would  these  things  be !  How  much  better  to  be 
called  to  the  honor  of  filling  up  the  measure  of 
his  sufferings  !  A  cup  was  put  into  his  hands  on 
our  account,  and  his  love  engaged  him  to  drink  it 
for  us.  The  wrath  which  it  contained  he  drank 
wholly  himself ;  but  he  left  us  a  little  affliction  to 
taste,  that  we  might  pledge  him  and  remember  how 
he  loved  us,  and  how  much  more  he  endured  for 
us  than  he  will  ever  call  us  to  endure  for  him. 
Again  :  how  could  we,  without  sufferings,  manifest 
the  nature  and  .truth  of  gospel  grace  1  What 
place  should  we  then  have  for  patience,  submission, 
meekness,  forbearance,  and  a  readiness  to  forgive, 
if  we  had  nothing  to  try  us  either  from  the  hand  of 
the  Lord  or  from  the  hand  of  men  ?  A  Christian 
without  trials  would  be  like  a  mill  without  wind 
or  water;  the  contrivance  and  design  of  the  wheel 
work  withinside  would  be  unnoticed  and  unknown 
without  something  to  put  it  in  motion  from  without. 
Nor  would  our  graces  grow  unless  they  were  called 
out  to  exercise :  the  difficulties  we  meet  with  not 


188  MISCELLANEOUS. 

only  prove,  but  strengthen,  the  graces  of  the  spirit. 
If  a  person  was  always  to  sit  still  without  making 
use  of  his  limbs,  he  would  probably  wholly  lose  the 
power  of  moving  them  at  last;  but  by  walking  and 
working  he  becomes  strong  and  active.  So,  in  a 
long  course  of  ease,  the  powers  of  the  new  man 
would  certainly  languish  ;  the  soul  would  grow  soft, 
indolent,  cowardly,  and  faint;  and  therefore  the  Lord 
appoints  his  children  such  dispensations  as  make 
them  strive,  and  struggle,  and  pant.  They  must 
press  through  a  crowd,  swim  against  a  stream, 
endure  hardships,  run,  wrestle,  and  fight ;  and  thus 
their  strength  grows  in  the  using. 

"  By  these  things,  likewise,  they  are  made  more 
willing  to  leave  the  present  world,  to  which  we  are 
prone  to  cleave  too  closely  in  our  hearts  when  our 
path  is  very  smooth.  Had  Israel  enjoyed  their 
former  peace  and  prosperity  in  Egypt  when  Moses 
came  to  invite  them  to  Canaan,  I  think  they  would 
hardly  have  listened  to  him.  But  the  Lord  suf- 
fered them  to  be  brought  into  great  trouble  and  bond- 
age, and  then  the  news  of  deliverance  was  more 
welcome  ;  yet  still  they  were  but  half  willing,  and 
they  carried  a  love  to  the  flesh  pots  of  Egypt  with 
them  into  the  wilderness.  We  are  like  them : 
though  we  say  this  world  is  vain  and  sinful,  we 
are  too  fond  of  it ;  and  though  we  hope  for  true 
happiness  only  in  heaven,  we  are  often  well  con- 
tent to  stay  longer  here.  But  God  sends  afflic- 
tions one  after  another  to  quicken  our  desires  and 
to  convince  us  that  this  cannot  be  our  rest.  Some- 
times, if  you  drive  a  bird  from  one  branch  of  a 
tree,  he  will  hop  to  another  a  little  higher,  and 
from  thence  to  a  third  ;  but  if  you  continue  to  dis- 
turb him  he  will  at  last  take  wing  and  fly  quite 
away.     Thus  we,  when  forced  from  one  creature 


MISCELLANEOUS.  189 

comfort,  perch  upon  another,  and  so  on  ;  but  the 
Lord  mercifully  follows  us  with  trials,  and  will  not 
let  us  rest  upon  any.  By  degrees  our  desires  take 
a  nobler  flight  and  can  be  satisfied  with  nothing 
short  of  himself;  and  we  say  to  depart  and  be  with 
Christ  is  best  of  all. 

"I  trust  you  find  the  name  and  grace  of  Jesus 
more  and  more  precious  to  you,  his  promises  more 
sweet,  and  your  hope  in  them  more  abiding,  your 
sense  of  your  own  weakness  and  unworthiness 
daily  increasing,  and  your  persuasion  of  his  all- 
suflaciency  to  guide,  support,  and  comfort  you 
more  confirmed.  You  owe  your  growth  in  these 
respects,  in  a  great  measure,  to  his  blessings  upon 
those  afflictions  which  he  has  prepared  for  you 
and  sanctified  to  you.  May  you  praise  him  for  all 
that  is  past  and  trust  him  for  all  that  is  to  come.'' 

HANNAH   MORE. 

IN  1820  this  distinguished  Christian  lady  was 
visited  by  a  succession  of  severe  and  alarming 
fits  of  sickness,  from  which  she  herself  supposed 
that  she  should  never  recover.  Her  expressicrtis 
on  this  occasion  have  all  the  weight  of  a  dying 
testimony.  One  of  her  friends  having  said,  "  I 
trust  you  will  be  better  to-morrow,"  she  replied, 
"If  it  be  God's  will,  I  hope  so  :  when,  where,  and 
as  thou  wilt,  0  Lord  !  I,  who  have  written  so  much 
upon  submission  to  the  will  of  God,  ought  now  to 
practise  it." 

When  a  part  of  the  forty-first  psalm  was  repeated 
to  her  she  remarked,  "  A  beautiful  psalm  ;  but  all  my 
trust  is  through  grace,  all  my  hope  is  for  mercy, 
and  all  I  ask  is  acceptance  through  Jesus  Christ. 
What  should  I  do  now  if  the  work  were  to  be  be- 
gun 1 " 


190  MISCELLANEOUS 

"  0,  what  will  it  be,"  said  she  at  another  time, 
'•  when  onr  eyes  close  on  this  scene  and  open  upon 
the  world  of  spirits  ?  I  have  often  thought  since 
I  have  been  lying  here  of  poor  Thistlewood's  ex- 
pression, '  We  sliall  soon  know  the  grand  secret.' 
A  Christian  may  say  the  same  ;  it  is  a  secret 
equally  to  him  ;  but  he  says  it  with  a  firm  faith  and 
a  well-grounded  assurance  that  '  there  is  a  reward 
for  the  righteous,  that  there  is  a  God  that  judgeth 
in  the  earth.' " 

From  this  attack,  however,  she  recovered,  and 
lived  to  extreme  old  age.  In  1832  she  began  to 
sink  under  the  weight  of  infirmities  and  of  years. 
Yet  her  mind  was  clear  and  calm.  Her  excla- 
mations were,  "Jesus  is  all  in  all;  God  of  grace, 
God  of  light,  God  of  love,  whom  have  I  in  heaven 
but  thee  ?  "  When  very  sick  she  said,  "  What  can 
I  do  ?  What  can  I  not  do  with  Christ  1  '  I  know 
that  my  Redeemer  liveth.'  "  Speaking  of  heaven 
she  said,  '■  The  thought  of  that  world  lifts  the 
mind  above  itself.  My  God,  my  God,  I  bless  thy 
holy  name.  O,  the  love  of  Christ,  the  love  of 
Christ !     Mercy,  Lord,  is  all  I  ask." 

At  another  time  she  said,  ''  It  pleases  God  to 
afflict  me,  not  for  his  pleasure,  but  to  do  me  good, 
to  make  me  humble  and  thankful.  Loixl,  I  believe  ; 
I  do  believe  with  all  the  power  of  my  weak,  sinful 
heart.  Lord  Jesus,  look  down  upon  me  from  thy 
holy  habitation,  strengthen  my  foith,  and  quickeii 
me  in  my  preparation.  Support  me  in  that  trying 
hour  when  I  most  need  it.  It  is  a  glorious  thing  to 
die."  When  one  talked  to  her  of  her  good  deeds 
she  said,  '"  Talk  not  so  vainly  ;  I  utterly  cast  them 
from  me,  and  fall  low  at  the  foot  of  the  cross." 

During  this  ilhiess  of  ten  months  the  time  was 
passed  in  a  scries  of  alternations  between  restless- 


MISCKLLANEOUS.  191 

ness  and  composure,  long  sleeps  and  long  wake- 
fulness, with  occasional  great  excitement,  elevated 
and  sunken  spirits.  At  length  nature  seemed  to 
shrink  from  further  conflict,  and  the  time  of  her 
deliverance  drew  nigh.  On  September  6,  1833, 
we  offered  up  the  morning  family  devotions  by  her 
bedside.  She  was  silent  and  apparently  attentive, 
with  her  hands  devoutly  lifted  up.  From  eight  in  the 
evening  of  this  day  till  nearly  nine  I  was  watching 
with  her.  Her  face  was  smooth  and  glowing. 
There  was  an  unusual  brightness  in  the  expression. 
She  smiled,  and,  endeavoring  to  raise  herself  a  little 
from  the  pillow,  she  reached  out  her  arms  as  if 
catching  at  something ;  and  while  making  this 
effort  she  once  called  her  only  surviving  sister 
and  exclaimed,  "Jot  !  "  In  this  state  of  quietness 
and  inward  peace  she  remained  for  about  an  hour. 
At  half  past  nine  Dr.  Carrick  came.  The  pulse  had 
become  exceedingly  quick  and  weak.  At  about 
ten  the  symptoms  of  speedy  departure  could  not 
be  doubted.  She  fell  into  a  dozing  sleep,  and 
slight  convulsions  succeeded,  which  seemed  to  be 
attended  by  no  pain.  She  breathed  softly  and 
looked  serene.  The  pulse  became  fainter  and 
fainter  and  as  quick  as  lightning.  With  the  ex- 
ception of  a  sigh,  or  groan,  there  was  nothing  but 
the  gentle  breathing  of  infant  sleep.  Contrary  to 
expectation,  she  survived  the  night.  At  six  A.  M, 
I  sent  for  Miss  Roberts.  She  lasted  out  till  ten 
minutes  after  one,  when  I  saw  the  last  gentle 
breath  escape,  and  one  more  was  added  to  "  the 
multitude  which  no  man  can  number,  who  sing 
the  praises  of  God  and  of  the  Lamb  forever  and 
ever." 


192  MISCELLANEOUS. 

FULNESS    OF   REDEMPTION. 

WE  may  affirm  salvation  to  be  great  because  of 
the  completeness  and  fulness  of  the  work, 
great  in  itself,  as  well  as  in  its  Author.  We  might 
be  sure  that  what  a  divine  agent  undertook  would 
be  tlioroughly  effected  ;  and  accordingly,  the  more 
we  examine  the  scheme  of  our  redemption,  the 
more  may  we  prove  it  in  every  sense  perfect.  The 
sins  of  men  were  laid  upon  Christ,  and  the  divinity 
gave  such  worth  to  the  suflerings  of  the  humanity 
that  the  whole  race  might  be  pardoned  if  the  whole 
race  would  put  faith  in  the  substitute.  There 
is,  consequently,  nothing  in  our  own  guiltiness 
to  make  us  hesitate  as  to,, the  possibility  of  for- 
giveness. The  penalties  due  to  a  violated  law  have 
been  discharged ;  and  therefore^  if  we  believe  in  our 
suretij^  we  are  as  free  as  though  we  had  never  trans- 
gressed. And  IS  not  that  a  great  salvation 
which  places  pardon  within  reach  of  the  vilest 
offenders,  and  which,  providing  an  atonement 
conimensui-ate  with  every  amount  of  iniquity, 
forbids  any  to  despair  who  have  a  wish  to  be 
saved  ? 

But  yet  further:  this  salvation  not  only  pro- 
vides for  our  pardon  so  that  punishment  may  be 
avoided  ;  it  provides  also  for  our  acceptance,  so  that 
happiness  may  be  obtained.  The  faith  which  so 
interests  us  in  Christ  that  we  are  reckoned  to  have 
satisfied  the  law's  penalties  in  him  obtains  for  us 
also  the  imputation  of  his  righteousnes,  so  that  we 
have  a  spotless  covering  in  which  to  appear  before 
God.  Hence  we  have  share  in  the  obedience  as 
well  as  in  the  suffering  of  the  Mediator;  and  whilst 
the  latter  delivers  from  the  death  we  had  deserved, 
the  former  consigns  to  the  immortality  we  could 


MISCELLANEOUS  193 

never  have  merited.  And  is  not  this  a  great  salva- 
tion.—  great  in  its  simplicity,  great  in  its  compre- 
hensiveness,—  which  thus  meets  the  -every  neces- 
sity of  the  guilty  and  helpless,  and  which,  ar- 
ranged for  creatures  whom  it  finds  in  the  lowest 
degradation,  leaves  them  not  till  elevated  to  the 
very  summit  of  dignity  1 

HOPE. 

HOPE  is  the  memorial  of  a  covenant  between 
man  and  his  Maker,  telling  us  that  we  are  born 
for  immortality  ;  destined,  unless  we  sepulchre  our 
greatness,  to  the  highest  honor  and  noblest  happi- 
ness. Hope  proves  man  deathless.  It  is  the  strug- 
gle of  the  soul  breaking  loose  fro-m  what  is  perish- 
able and  attesting  her  eternity.  And  when  the 
eye  of  the  mind  is  turned  upon  Christ,  "  delivered 
for  our  offences  and  raised  again  for  our  justifica- 
tion,"' the  unsubstantial  and  deceitful  character  is 
taken  away  from  hope,  and  it  becomes  one  of  the 
prime  pieces  of  that  armor  of  proof  in  which  the 
believer  is  arrayed  ;  for  St.  Paul  bids  us  take  ''  for 
an  helmet  the  hope  of  salvation."  It  is  not  good 
that  a  man  hope  for  wealth,  since  "  riches  profit  not 
in  the  day  of  wrath ;  "  and  it  is  not  good  that  he 
hope  for  human  honors,  since  the  mean  and  mighty 
go  down  to  the  same  burial :  but  it  is  good  that 
he  hope  for  salvation ;  the  meteor  then  gathers  like 
a  golden  halo  round  his  head ;  and,  as  he  presses 
forward  in  the  battle  time,  no  weapon  of  the  evil 
one  can  pierce  thi'ough  that  helmet. 
13 


194  MISCELLANEOUS. 

HOPE    THE    ANCHOR   OF   THE   SOUL. 

SUFFER  that  we  remind  you  of  the  simile  by 
which  St.  Paul  has  represented  Christian  hope, 
"  which  hope  we  have  as  an  anchor  of  the  soul 
both  sure  and  steadfast,  and  which  entereth  into 
that  Avithin  the  veil."  The  anchor  is  cast  '•  within 
the  veil,'"  whither  Christ,  the  forerunner,  is  gone  be- 
fore. And  if  hope  be  fixed  upon  Christ,  the  Rock 
of  Ages, —  a  rock  rent,  if  we  may  use  the  expression, 
on  purpose  that  there  might  be  a  holding-place  for 
the  anchors  of  a  perishing  world, —  it  may  well  come 
to  pass  that  we  enjoy  a  calm  as  we  journey  through 
life  and  draw  near  the  grave.  But  since  "other 
foundation  can  no  man  lay  than  that  is  laid,"  if 
our  anchor  rest  not  on  this  rock,  where  is  our 
hope,  where  our  peacefulness  1  I  know  of  a  com- 
ing tempest ;  and  would  to  God  that  the  young 
more  especially  might  be  stirred  by  its  approach  to 
repentance  and  righteousness  !  I  know  of  a  com- 
ing tempest  with  which  the  Almighty  shall  shake 
terribly  the  earth  ;  the  sea  and  the  waves  roaring 
and  the  stars  falling  from  the  heavens.  Then  shall 
there  be  a  thousand  shipwrecks,  and  immensity  be 
strewed  with  the  fragments  of  a  stranded  navy. 
Then  shall  vessel  upon  vessel,  laden  with  rea- 
son, and  high  intelligence,  and  noble  faculty,  be 
drifted  to  and  fro,  shattered  and  dismantled, 
and  at  last  thrown  on  the  shore  as  fuel  for  the 
burning.  But  there  are  ships  which  shall  not 
founder  in  this  battle  and  dissolution  of  the  ele- 
ments. There  are  ships  which  shall  be  in  no  peril 
whilst  this,  the  last  hurricane  which  is  to  sweep 
our  creation,  confounds  earth,  and  sea,  and  sky, 
but  which,  when  the  fury  is  overpast,  and  the  light 
of  a  morning  which  is  to  know  no  night  breaks 


MIWCKLT.ANEOUS.  195 

gloriously  forth,  shall  be  f'ounrt  upon  crystal  and 
tranquil  waters,  resting-  beautifully  on  their  shad- 
ows. These  are  those  which  have  been  anchored 
upon  Christ.  These  are  those  —  and  may  none 
refuse  to  join  the  number  —  who  have  trusted 
themselves  to  the  Mediator  who  humbled  himself 
that  he  might  lift  up  all  those  that  are  bowed 
down,  and  who  have,  therefore,  interest  in  every 
promise  made  by  Him  whose  kingdom  is  an  ever- 
lasting kingdom  and  Avhose  dominion  endureth 
throughout  all  generations. 

ISABELLA   GRAHAM. 

IN  the  last  illness  of  this  excellent  woman  she 
said  to  Mr.  Bethune,  her  son-in-law,  "  My  dear 
son,  I  am  going  to  leave  you  —  I  am  going  to  my 
Savior." 

'•  I  know,"  he  replied,  "  that  when  you  do  go 
from  us  it  will  be  to  the  Savior ;  but,  my  dear 
mother,  it  may  not  be  the  Lord's  time  now  to  call 
you  to  himself." 

"  Yes,"  said  she,  "  now  is  the  time  5  and  0,  I  could 
weep  for  sin."  Her  words  were  accompanied  with 
tears. 

"  Have  you  any  doubt,  then,  my  dear  friend  1 " 
asked  Mrs.  Christie. 

"  0,  no,"  replied  Mrs.  Graham ;  and  looking  at 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  B.  as  they  wept,  she  said,  "  My  dear 
children,  I  have  no  more  doubt  of  viy  going  to  my 
Savior  than  if  I  was  already  in  his  arms :  my  guilt 
is  all  transferred;  he  has  cancelled  all  I  owed.  Yet 
I  could  weep  for  sins  against  so  good  a  God  :  it 
seems  to  me  as  if  there  must  be  weeping  even  in 
heaven  for  sin." 

She  was  now  surrounded  by  many  of  her  dear 


196  MISCELLANEOUS. 

Christian  friends,  who  watched  her  dying  bed  with 
alFection  and  solicitude.  On  Tuesday  afternoon 
she  slept  with  little  intermission.  "  This,"  said  Dr. 
Mason,  "  may  be  truly  called  'falling  asleep  in 
Jesus.'  "  It  was  remarked  by  those  who  attended 
her  that  all  terror  was  taken  away  and  that  death 
seemed  here  as  an  entrance  into  life.  Her  counte- 
nance was  placid  and  looked  younger  than  before 
her  illness. 

At  half  past  twelve,  A.  M.,  July  27,  1814,  her 
spirit  gently  winged  its  flight  from  a  mansion  of 
clay  to  the  realms  of  glory,  while  around  the  pre- 
cious remnant  of  earth  her  family  stood  weeping, 
yet  elevated  by  the  scene  they  were  witnessing. 
After  a  silence  of  many  minutes  they  kneeled  by 
lier  bed,  adored  the  goodness  and  the  grace  of  God 
towards  his  departed  child,  and  implored  the  divine 
blessing  on  both  the  branches  of  her  family  as  well 
as  on  all  the  Israel  of  God. 

IN  heaven,  says  P.  Edwards,  shall  be  all  the 
objects  that  the  saints  have  set  their  hearts 
upon,  and  which,  above  all  things,  they  loved 
while  in  this  world  —  the  things  which  met  the 
approbation  of  their  judgments,  and  captivated 
their  affections,  and  drew  away  their  souls  from 
the  most  pleasant  and  dear  of  earthly  objects.  All 
the  truly  great  and  good,  all  the  pure,  and  holy, 
and  excellent  from  this  world,  and  it  may  be  from 
evory  part  of  the  universe,  are  constantly  tending 
towards  heaven.  As  the  streams  tend  to  the  ocean, 
so  all  these  are  tending  to  the  great  ocean  of  in- 
finite purity  and  bliss.  The  progress  of  time  does 
but  bear  them  on  to  its  blessedness,  and  us,  if  we 
are  holij,  to  be  united  to  them  there.  Every  gem 
•which  Death  rudely  tears  away  from  us  here  is  a 


MISCELLANEOUS.  197 

glorious  jewel  forever  shining  there.  Every  Chris- 
tian friend  that  goes  before  us  from  this  world  is  a 
beatified  spirit  waiting  to  welcome  us  in  heaven. 

CHRIST  BOTH  REDEEMER  AND  JUDGK. 

IT  is,  we  think,  onffof  the  most  beautiful  of  the 
arrangements  whicli  cliaracterize  the  gospel 
that  the  offices  of  Redeemer  and  Judge  meet  in 
the  same  person,  and  that  person  divine.  We  call 
it  a  beautiful  an-angement  l)ecause  securing  for  us 
tenderness  as  well  as  equity,  the  sympathies  of  a 
friend  as  well  as  the  disinterestedness  of  a  most 
righteous  arbiter.  Had  the  Judge  been  only  man, 
the  imperfection  of  his  nature  would  have  made 
ns  expect  much  of  error  in  his  verdicts.  Had  he 
been  only  God,  the  distance  between  him  and  us 
■would  have  made  us  fear  it  impossible  that,  in  de- 
termining our  lot,  he  would  take  into  account  our 
feebleness  and  trials.  But  in  the  person  of  Christ 
there  is  that  marvellous  combination  which  we 
seek  in  the  Judge  of  the  whole  human  race.  He 
is  God  ;  and  therefore  must  he  know  every  particu- 
lar of  character.  But  he  is  also  man ;  and  there- 
fore can  he  put  himself  into  the  position  of  those 
who  are  brought  to  his  bar.  And  because  the 
Judge  is  thus  the  Mediator,  the  judgment  seat  can 
be  approached  with  confidence  and  gladness.  The 
believer  in  Christ  who  hearkened  to  the  suggestions 
of  God's  Spirit  and  broke  away  from  the  trammels 
of  sin  shall  know  the  Son  of  man  as  he  comes 
down  in  the  magnificent  sternness  of  celestial  au- 
thority. And  we  say,  not  that  it  shall  be  alto- 
gether without  dread  or  apprehension  tliat  the  right- 
eous, starting  from  the  sleep  of  death,  sliall  hear 
the   deepening   roll  of  the   archangel's   summons 


198  MISCELLANEOUS. 

and  behold  the  terrific  pomp  of  heavenly  judica- 
ture ;  but  we  are  certain  that  they  will  be  assured 
and  comforted  as  they  gaze  upon  their  Judge  and 
recognize  their  surety.  Words  such  as  these  will 
occur  to  them  :  "  God  hath  appointed  a  day  in  the 
which  he  will  judge  the  world  in  righteousness  by 
that  Man  whom  he  hath  #dained."  "  By  that 
Man  ; "  the  Man  who  "  hath  borne  our  griefs  and 
carried  our  sorrows  ;  "  the  Man  who  uttered  the 
pathetic  Avords,  "  O  Jerusalem,  Jerusalem,  how 
often  would  I  have  gathered  thy  children  together ! " 
the  Man  who  was  "  delivered  for  our  offences  and 
raised  again  for  our  justification  ;"  the  Man  who 
sat  in  weariness  by  the  well  of  Samaria ;  the  Man 
who  wept  in  anguish  at  the  grave  of  Lazarus  ;  the 
Man  Avho  compassionated  the  weakness  of  his 
slumbering  disciples ;  the  Man  whose  "  sweat  was,  as 
it  were,  great  drops  of  blood;"  and  who  submitted 
to  be  scourged,  and  buffeted,  and  crucified  "  for  us 
men  and  for  our  salvation."  Yes ;  this  is  the  very 
Being  who  is  to  gather  the  nations  before  him  and 
determine  the  everlasting  condition  of  each  indi- 
vidual. And  though  we  dare  not  attempt  to  define 
the  motions  of  those  most  assured  of  deliverance 
when  standing  in  their  resurrection  bodies  on  the 
earth  as  it  heaves  with  strange  convulsions,  and 
looking  on  a  firmament  lined  with  ten  thousand 
times  ten  thousand  angels,  and  beholding  a  throne 
of  fire  and  cloud  such  as  was  never  piled  for  mortal 
sovereignty,  and  hearing  sounds  of  which  even 
imagination  cannot  catch  the  echo,  yet  is  it  enough 
to  assure  us  that  they  will  be  full  of  hope  and  of 
gladness  to  tell  us  that  He  who  will  speak  to  them 
is  He  who  once  died  for  them.  0,  there  will  be 
peace  to  the  righteous  when  "  the  heavens  shall  be 
rolled   together  as  a  scroll,"  if  it  be  Christ  who 


MISCELLANEOUS.  199 

Baith,  "  The  hour  is  coming  in  which  all  that  are  in 
the  graves  shall  hear  my  voice." 

But  with  what  feelings  will  those  hear  the  voice 
of  whom  the  Savior  may  affirm,  "  I  have  called, 
and  ye  refused ;  ye  have  set  at  nought  all  my 
counsel,  and  would  none  of  my  reproof"  1  They, 
too,  shall  know  the  voice,  and  it  shall  be  to  them 
as  the  voice  of  despised  mercy  —  the  voice  of  slight- 
ed love.  They  shall  be  more  startled,  and  more 
pierced,  and  more  lacerated  by  that  voice  than  if 
it  had  never  before  been  heard  or  if  its  tones 
were  not  remembered.  The  sound  of  that  voice 
will  at  once  waken  the  memory  of  warnings  that 
have  been  neglected,  invitations  refused,  privileges 
unimproved.  It  will  be  painfully  eloquent  of  all 
that  was  vainly  done  to  win  them  to  repentance, 
and  therefore  terribly  reproachful,  ominous  of  a 
doom  which  it  is  now  too  late  to  avert.  They 
would  have  moi-e  hope,  they  would  be  less  beaten 
down  by  a  consciousness  that  they  were  about  to 
enter  on  everlasting  misery,  if  a  strange  voice  had 
summoned  them  from  the  tomb  —  a  voice  as  of 
many  thunderings,  a  voice  that  had  never  spoken 
tenderly  and  plaintively,  never  uttered  the  earnest 
beseechings,  the  touching  entreaties  of  a  Friend,  a 
Brothei',  a  Redeemer.  Any  voice  rather  than  this 
voice.  None  could  be  so  dirgelike,  so  full  of  con- 
demnation, so  burdened  with  malediction  as  th-at 
which  had  often  said,  '*  Turn  ye,  turn  ye ;  for  why 
will  ye  die  ?  " 

But  this  is  the  voice ;  and  when  this  voice  is 
heard,  "  all  that  are  in  the  graves  shall  come  forth." 
And  under  how  many  divisions  shall  the  swarming 
myriads  be  arranged  1  They  have  had  very  differ- 
ent opportunities  and  means,  and  you  might  have 
expected  them  to  be  separated  into  a  great  variety 


200  MISCELLANEOUS. 

of  classes.  But  we  read  of  only  one  division,  of 
only  two  classes.  "  They  that  have  done  good  unto 
the  resurrection  of  life ;  and  they  that  have  done  evil 
unto  the  resurrection  of  damnation." 

And  what  say  you  to  all  this  1  If  we  could  es- 
cape the  judgment,  or  if  we  could  bribe  the  Judge,  — 
if  we  had  the  bone  of  iron,  and  the  sinew  of  brass, 
and  the  flesh  of  marble,  so  that  we  might  defy  the 
fire  and  the  worm,  —  why,  then  we  might  eat  and 
drink,  and  amass  gold,  and  gratify  lust.  But  the 
judgment  is  not  to  be  escaped ;  the  very  dead  are 
to  hear  the  voice ;  and  who  then  can  hide  himself? 
And  the  Judge  is  not  to  be  bribed  ;  it  is  the  eternal 
God  himself,  whose  are  the  worlds  and  all  which 
they  contain.  And  we  are  sensitive  beings  —  be- 
ings with  vast  capacities  for  wretchedness,  present- 
ing unnumbered  inlets  to  a  ministry  of  vengeance. 
Shall  we,  then,  in  spite  all  of  this,  persist  in  neglect- 
ing the  great  salvation  '^ 

REV.   E.   HALL. 

THIS  excellent  man  had,  during  his  whole  life, 
suffered  at  intervals  the  most  excruciating  pain : 
and  in  his  last  hours  he  compared  his  own  sufferings 
with  those  of  his  Savior,  observing  how  light  his 
were  in  the  contrast,  and  saying  that  "  though  he 
had  endured  as  much  or  more  than  commonly  fell 
to  the  lot  of  man,  yet  all  had  been  mercy. ''^  This  com- 
parison seemed  a  favorite  one  with  him,  and  he  re- 
marked, "  that  a  contemplation  of  the  sufferings  of 
Christ  icas  the  best  antidote  against  impatience  under 
any  troubles  we  might  experience,^''  recommending 
the  subject  to  others  as  the  antidote  to  distress  or 
death. 

*'  1  was  summoned,'-  says  his  physician,  "  to  be- 


MISCELLANEOUS.  201 

hold  the  last  agonizinfi:  scene  of  this  extraordinary 
man.  His  difficulty  of  breathing  had  suddenly  in- 
creased to  a  dreadful  and  final  paroxysm.  *  * 
*  Mrs.  Hall,  observing  a  fixation  of  the  eyes  and 
an  unusual  expression  on  his  countenance,  and 
indeed  in  his  whole  manner,  became  alarmed  by 
the  sudden  impression  that  he  was  dying,  and  ex- 
claimed, in  great  agitation,  '  This  cainiot  be  dying.' 
He  replied,  '  It  is  death :  it  is  death  —  death  !  '  O 
the  suflferings  of  his  body  !  Mrs.  H.  then  asked 
him, '  But  are  you  comfortable  in  your  mind  ?  '  He 
immediately  said,  '  Very  comfortable,  very  comfort- 
able,' and  exclaimed,  '  Come,  Lord  Jesus,  come  ! ' 
He  then  hesitated,  as  if  incapable  of  bringing  out 
the  last  word:  and  one  of  his  daughters,  involun- 
tarily as  it  were,  anticipated  him  by  saying,  *  Quick- 
ly,' on  which  her  departing  father  gave  her  a  look 
expressive  of  the  most  complacent  delight," 

THE  following  account  of  the  last  hours  of  the 
Rev.  S.  Winter  is  taken  from   Clark's   Collec- 
tion of  Lives,  vol.  2,  p.  26 :  — 

"A  little  before  the  death  of  this  good  man, 
finding  himself  growing  weaker,  he  desired  that  his 
will  might  be  engrossed  ;  and  he  then  endeavored  to 
persuade  his  wife  to  be  willing  to  part  with  him,  add- 
ing that  it  would  not  be  long  before  they  would  meet 
again.  He  then  prayed  for  her  and  her  relations. 
About  6  o'clock  on  Sunday,  A.  M.,  he  raised  him- 
self up  in  his  bed,  and  with  a  loud  and  cheerful 
voice  called  Mrs.  W.  and  said,  '  I  have  been  con- 
versing with  spirits,'  and,  as  in  rapture,  cried  out, 
'  0  the  glories  that  are  prepared  for  the  saints  of  God  ! 
The  Lord  hath  been  pleased  this  night  to  show  me 
the  "  exceeding  weight  of  glory  "  which  is  laid  up 
in  heaven  for  his  chosen  ones.'     He  said  further, 


202  MISCELLANEOUS. 

'■that  he  had  studied  and  thoiiglit  he  knew  as  much  ivhat 
the  glory  in  heaven  ivas  as  any  other  man  ;  but  he  noio 
saw  that  all  the  divines  upon  earth  were  mere  children 
in  the  knowledge  of  the  great  mystery  of  heavenly  feli- 
city.'' He  then  desired  that  his  family  and  friends 
miyht  be  assembled,  that  he  might  acquaint  them 
with  the  discovery  he  had  had  ;  but  when  he  at- 
tempted to  describe  it  he  was  so  swallowed  up  in 
the  contemplation  of  it  that  he  could  not  utter 
what  he  desired.  And  all  that  day,  and  CA-en  till 
he  died,  he  continued  in  very  high  raptures  and 
great  acclamations  of  thankfulness  to  God  for 
Jesus  Christ,  the  fountain  of  that  glory,  and  for 
the  discoveries  of  it  to  him.  Just  before  his  death 
he  lifted  up  his  eyes  to  heaven  and  said,  '  Come, 
Lord  Jesus,'  and  presently,  with  a  smiling  counte- 
nance, added,  '  Art  thou  come  7 '  and  then  expired.'" 

HEAVEN. 

ARE  we  deceiving  men,  are  we  merely  sketching 
ideal  pictures  to  whose  beauty  and  brilliancy 
there  is  nothing  correspondent  in  future  realities, 
when  we  expatiate  on  the  glories  of  heaven,  and 
task  imagination  to  build  its  palaces  and  portray 
its  inhabitants  1  Yes,  in  one  sense  we  deceive 
them :  they  are  but  ideal  pictures  which  we  draw. 
What  human  pencil  can  delineate  scenes  in  which 
God  manifests  his  presence  1  what  human  coloring 
emulate  the  effulgence  which  issues  from  his  throne  ? 
But  we  deceive  them  only  through  inability  to  rise 
sufficiently  high ;  we  exhaust  imagination,  but  not 
the  thousandth  part  is  told.  They  are  deceived 
only  if  they  think  we  tell  them  all,  if  they  take 
the  pictures  which  we  draw  as  perfect  representa 
tions  of  the  majesty  of  the  future. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  203 

When  we  speak  to  them  of  the  deep  and  perma- 
nent repose  of  heaven ;  when  we  enlarge  on  the 
manifestations  of  Deity ;  when  we  declare  that 
Chriiit,  as  "  the  Minister  of  the  sanctuary,"  will 
unfold  to  his  church  the  mysteries  which  have  per- 
plexed them  :  when  we  gather  together  what  is 
gorgeous,  and  precious,  and  beautiful  in  the  visible 
creation,  and  crowd  it  into  the  imagery  wherewith 
we  delineate  the  final  home  of  the  saints  ;  when 
we  take  the  sun  from  the  firmament  that  the 
Lord  God  may  shine  there,  and  remove  all  temples 
from  the  city  that  the  Almighty  may  be  its  sanc- 
tuary, and  hush  all  human  minstrelsy  that  the 
immense  tide  of  song  may  roll  from  thousand 
times  ten  thousand  voices,  —  we  speak  only  the 
words  of  truth  and  soberness,  though  we  have  not 
compassed  the  greatness  nor  depicted  the  loveli- 
ness of  the  portion  which  awaits  the  disciples  of 
Christ.  0,  as  the  shining  company  take  the  cir 
cuit  of  the  celestial  city, — as  they  -'walk  about 
Zion  and  go  round  about  her,"  telling  the  towers 
thereof,  marking  well  her  bulwarks  and  consider- 
ing her  palaces,  —  who  can  doubt  that  they  say  one 
to  another,  "  '  As  we  have  heard,  so  have  we  seen, 
in  the  city  of  our  God.'  We  heard  that  here 
'  the  wicked  cease  from  troubling ; '  and  now  we 
behold  the  deep,  rich  calm.  We  heard  that  here 
we  should  be  with  the  Lord :  and  now  we  see  him 
face  to  face.  We  heard  that  here  we  should  know 
even  as  we  are  known  ;  and  now  the  ample  page 
of  universal  truth  is  open  to  our  inspection.  We 
heard  that  here,  with  the  crown  on  the  head  and 
the  harp  in  the  hand,  we  should  execute  the  will 
and  hymn  the  praises  of  our  God ;  and  now  we 
wear  the  diadem  and  wake  the  melody  "  1  They  can 
take  to  themselves   the  words  which   the   dying 


204  MISCELLANEOUS. 

leader  Joshua  used  of  the  Israelites  :  "  Not  one 
thing  hath  failed  of  all  the  good  things  which  the 
Lord  our  God  spake  concerning  us :  all  are  come 
to  pass,  and  not  one  thing  hath  failed  thereof." 

Shall  it  be  said  of  any  amongst  ourselves  that 
they  heard  of  heaven,  but  made  no  effort  to  behold 
it  ?  Is  there  one  who  can  be  indifferent  to  the 
announcement  of  its  glories,  one  who  can  feel 
utterly  careless  whether  he  ever  prove  for  himself 
that  there  has  been  no  deceit,  no  exaggeration,  but 
that  it  is  indeed  a  surpassingly  fair  land,  which  is 
to  be  everlastingly  the  home  of  those  who  believe 
in  the  Redeemer  ?  Everlastingly  the  home  —  "  God 
will  establish  it  forever."  The  walls  of  that  city 
shall  never  decay;  the  lustres  of  that  city  shall 
never  grow  dim  ;  the  melodies  of  that  city  shall 
never  be  hushed.  And  is  it  of  a  city  such  as  this 
that  any  one  of  us  can  be  indifferent  whether  or 
no  he  be  finally  an  inhabitant  1  We  will  not  be- 
lieve it.  The  old  and  the  young,  the  rich  and  the 
poor,  all  must  be  ready  to  bind  themselves  by  a 
solemn  vow  that  they  will  "  seek  first  the  kingdom 
of  (jod  and  his  righteousness."  It  is  not  the  voice 
of  a  solitary  and  weak  fellow-man  which  now  tells 
you  of  heaven.  God  is  summoning  you  ;  angels 
are  summoning  you;  the  myriads  who  have  gone 
before  are  summoning  you.  We  are  surrounded  by 
a  "  great  cloud  of  witnesses."  The  battlements  of 
the  sky  seem  thronged  with  those  who  have  fought 
the  good  fight  of  faith.  They  bend  down  from  their 
eminence  and  bid  us  ascend,  through  the  one  Medi- 
ator, to  the  same  lofty  dwelling.  They  shall  not  call 
in  vain.  We  know  their  voices  as  they  sweep  by  us 
solemnly  and  sweetly.  O,  who  will  not  adopt  some 
such  reflection  and  prayer  as  this  :  "  I  have  heard  of 
heaven ;  I  have  been  told  of  its  splendors  and  of  its 


MISCELLANEOUS.  205 

happiness.  Grant,  gracious  and  eternal  Father, 
that  I  fail  not  at  last  to  be  associated  with  those  who 
shall  rejoicingly  exclaim,  '  As  we  have  heard,  so 
have  we  seen,  in  the  city  of  the  Lord  of  hosts '  "  ? 


9iihi» 


The  Young 1 

The  Bible 2 

Worldly  Mindedness 4 

Holiness  of  Heaven 5 

Trials  of  the  Chiir^tian 6 

Hope  the  Anchor,  <Scc 8 

Assurance 10 

Election II 

Prayer 13 

Worth  of  the  Soul 14 

Pleasures  of  Religion 19 

Religion ,,, 19 

Eliza  M 20 

The  Believer  assured  of  his  Resurrection 94 

Love  and  Ompassion  of  Christ P5 

Private  Devoiion 28 

On  Faith  in  Christ 29 

Life — in  what  it  consists 31 

7^he  Throne  of  Grace 32 

Influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit 33 

Practical  Piety 35 

C»n  the  Tesnper  of  a  true  Cliristian 35 

The  Savior's  Care  of  his  People 38 

Death 40 

Eiliication , 49 

I-ord  Bacon ; 41 

The  Christian  in  Sickness  and  Death 49 

(iii) 


IV  INDEX. 

Wilberfrnce  Rirliiiiond 44 

Tnist  ill  Gixi 49 

Deatli 52 

Marks  ot  a  prosperous  Soul 53 

True  Il;ip|)incss 54 

GofI  (III  the  Side  of  Virtue 55 

Testimony  i>f  a  Deist  to  the  Bible 56 

Nowlprt  of"  the  Gospel 57 

The  Holy  S'lirit 58 

On  tlio  Loss  of  a  Friend 59 

gelf-Kiiowiedge 61 

The  Sou  I C2 

He^iven   63 

Rev.  David  Clarksoii 63 

Prayer 65 

Si)iritual  Coiiiiiniiiioii  —  its  Effects 68 

The  Moral  Law 69 

Richard  Cecil 72 

Mi  fortunes 73 

Desiofi  of  the  Law 74 

Spiritual  (?oiiiiunnioii  —  its  Effects 77 

Religion 77 

Failli  —  its  Nature 78 

Duty  of  Christians  to  God,  &c 82 

Bible 84 

Card  riayinu 84 

Family  Worship 85 

Present  Rewards  of  Well  Doing 86 

Spiritual  Advantages  ol  Poverty 87 

Religion 90 

Rev.  Thomas  Scott 91 

Voltaire  — his  Death 97 

Devotion 97 

Clirist  our  Hai)piness 98 

Advice  to  the  Clergy 98 


^                 INDEX.                           •  V 

Holy  Tl)(in|jlit3 99 

Clii-i:<t  nur  ExHtnple 99 

Hiiniilily 100 

Greai  Principles ]00 

On  Dear Ji 100 

Devotion 191 

Tiie  i)rc>e!it  State 102 

True  Kiiuwlediie 103 

\Va rii i rig ]  03 

Cliiistian  CJiarity 104 

The  future  State 105 

Privileges  of  the  Christian 106 

Triais 109 

The  Law 110 

Rfi-peiitance Ill 

Repentance  1)3 

A  dying  Noblesnan   ...,    115 

Tiie  Believer  protited  hy  the  Experience  of  others 119 

Jiistitiiation 120 

Hnniiiify 121 

The  Doctrine  of  the  Cmns 121 

Afiiicii.ins 122 

Hope 124 

Chari ty 134 

Richard  Raxter 125 

Time  and  Eternity 126 

Safety  of  Christians 129 

Th:-  .-■■o-i! l.SO 

Niiveis  and   Ronlallce^^ J31 

Fieri,  n    132 

Di-re',iard  ;>f  GoiJ'.s  Omniscience 133 

Fearful  I)(  om  if  ihe  Wicked 134 

Death  of  '    llea'.i  Nash  " J35 

Strive j;^7 

The  Theatre 139 


VI  INDEX. 

Fashionable  Ainusemeiits 140 

Gamin  w 141 

Novel  Reading 141 

Vanity 143 

Religion 143 

The  Poor  Man's  Evidence  of  Christianity 144 

Tile  Ciiri:stian 148 

Clianty 148 

Distrust  not  to  tie  indulged 149 

Devotion  in  the  YounK 151 

Man's  Woilcs  not  meritorious 151 

God  the  Founder  u(  his  CImrcli 152 

James  Hervey 154 

The  Dispentations  of  Gi)d 155 

Grd 156 

The  Bible  a  Promoter  of  social  Happiness 156 

Religion 158 

Folly  of  Atheism 158 

Affliction 159 

Relisiion 159 

Hypocrisy 160 

AfflicJiins  of  the  Righteous Itil 

Consolation  on  the  Loss  of  Friends 162 

Benefit  of  Afflictions 165 

Priividence  of  God ir,7 

God-s  special  Provident  e 171 

SiTiL'ularity,  when  laudable 173 

On  Prayer 173 

The  I.uve  of  God  fully  demonstrated  only  by  Revelation   174 

Tenderness  of  God ]7f) 

Letter  (.f  the  Rev.  J.  Newton 178 

Adaptedness  of  the  Gospel  to  the  Poor ISO 

E.\|)erience  the  Touchstone  of  Faith 183 

Salvation—  its  Greatness 184 

On  Affliction 185 


INDEX.  vii 

Hannah  More 189 

Fulness  of  Redemption 192 

Hope 193 

Hope  the  Anchor  of  the  Soul 194 

Isabella  Graham 195 

Heaven 196 

Christ  both  Redeemer  and  Judge 197 

Rev.  R.  Hall 198 

Rev.  S.  Winter 201 

Heaven 2(® 


TBP 

CHRISTIAN'S   COMPASSION 

TO   THE 

SICK  AND  AFFLICTED. 


Messrs.  Stanford  and  Swords  have  Just 
issued  a  work  with  the  above  title,  which 
is  said  to  be  one  of  the  hest  devotiomd 
works  of  the  kind.  It  is  designed  for  the  use 
of  the  Clergy,  Sunday  School  teachers,  and 
all  such  as  may  be  disposed  to  minister  to  the 
relief  of  those  in  adversity;  also  for  the  af- 
flicted THEMSELVES.  "  To  them,"  says  a  re- 
viewer of  the  work,  ''  it  cannot  be  too  highly 
recommended,  as  there  is  not  in  my  opinion 
ITS  EQUAL  of  a  similar  character  extavty 
The  following  extracts  from  "  the  opinion  of 
THE  work"  will  serve  to  show  more  fullj^  its 
character. 

"  The  character  of  the  book,  the  end  it  has 
in  view,  and  its  comprehensiveness,  so  varied 
and  so  complete,  will  render  it  adequate  to  fill 
that  void  which  has  been  so  often  felt  by  the 
benevolent  Christian  in  the  discharge  of  his 
duties  among  the  sick  and  afflicted." 

"  The  Pravers  form  the  best  collection  I 


58  OPINIONS   OF   THE   CLERGY. 

have   ever  read T»   their  variety  they 

embrace  ahnost  every  exigency  in  human  life." 

^'The  Sunday  Scliool  teacher  ami  scholar 
will  also  here  find  the  most  beautiful  and  ap- 
propriate prayers  for  their  use  and  benefit." 

"  The  Reading  Matteu  of  the  work,  inter- 
spei'scd  with  appropriate  and  beautiful  poetry, 
is  a  Casket  of  Jewels  that  can  make  even  the 
pallid  brow  radiant  with  beaming  hope  and 

joy-" 


OPINIONS      OF      THE      CLEllGY. 

Extract  from  Letter  of  Bishop  Woimnright. 

"  My  time  has  been  so  occupied  that  I  have  not 
been  able  to  give  the  volume  a  sufficient  examina- 
tion to  enable  me  to  speak  of  it  from  knowledge. 
The  design  is  good,  and  if  judiciously  executed,  the 
book  must  be  useful." 

Extract  from  Letter  of  Bishop  Burgess. 

"  The  design,  tenor,  and  general  execution  of  th3 
wox'k,  are  excelle^it ;  its  doctrinal  tone  seems  emi- 
nently 2mre,  and  I  cannot  doubt  that  it  will  be 
found  a  precious  comfort  in  many  a  chamber  of 
sickness  and  sorrow." 

Letter  of  Bishop  Whiiehouse. 

"  Gentlemen :  I  have  read  the  *  Christian's 
Companion,'  which  you  did  me  the  favor  of  sending, 


OPINIONS    OF   THE    CLERGT  8 

and  cheerfully  add  my  mite  of  commendation  as  a 
work  admirably  :;oficeived  and  executed. 

"  I  shall  endeavor  to  extend  the  use  of  it,  with 
thankfulness  to  its  author ;  and  tlie  certamty  of  its 
doing  good  in  a  form  and  spirit  for  ivJiich  I  know  no 
substituiey 

Extract  from  Letter  of  the  Bev.  James  Chapman. 

"  I  consider  this  little  work  as  the  best  devotioJial 
book  for  general  icse  of  all  the  numerous  produc- 
tions of  the  kind  which  I  possess,  or  have  read. 
Well  is  this  Manual  calculated  to  benefit  both  the 
understanding  and  the  heart  of  all  who  vise  it  as  an 
aid  to  devotion.  The  miscellaneous  selections  of 
reading  matter  are  the  best  that  I  have  seen  for 
edification  of  readers  in  the  true  faith  of  the  Gos- 
pel and  in  holiness  of  life.  I  hope  that  effectual 
measures  will  be  taken  for  the  general  diffusion  of  a 
work  so  well  calculated  for  the  promotion  of  Chris- 
tian knowledge  and  piety." 

Extract  from  Letter  of  Bisliop  Doane. 

"  So  far  as  my  occupations  have  allowed  me  to 
examine  it,  it  seems  to  me  to  be  in  the  words  of  the 
Prayer  Book,  and  in  its  spirit.  There  can  be  no 
higher  praise.  I  cheerfully  recommend  it.  And  let 
me  add,  it  delights  me  to  recognize  the  hand  of  an 
old  f.cquaintance  in  a  work  so  jnire." 

Letter  of  Bishop  Broionell. 

"  Gentlemen :  My  eyesight  is  so  poor  that  I  haA-e 
not  been  able  to  give  more  than  a  cursory  look  into 
the  beautiful  little  book  you  sent  me. 


4  OPINIONS    OF    THE    CLT5RGT. 

"  I  would  think  it  an  excellent  family  book,  par- 
ticularly in  seasons  of  affliction  and  sickness  :  while 
it  must  be  a  valuable  aid  to  clergymen  in  the  per- 
formance of  their  pastoral  duties." 

Extract  from  Letter  of  the  Rev.  W.  E.  Wyatt,  D.  D. 
"  It  is  valuable  as  an  instrument  of  much  good 
in  a  department  not  amply  provided  for.  As  far  as 
my  opportunity  has  allowed  me  to  become  ac- 
quainted with  it,  it  appears  to  me  sound  hi  prifici- 
ple,  fervent  in  the  tone  of  its  piety,  atid j'udiciotis  in 
language  and  style.  I  trust  that  its  author  will  de- 
rive from  this,  and  his  other  offices  of  charity,  the 
best  recompense  of  his  faith." 

Extract  from  Letter  of  the  Rev.  E.  H.  Canfield. 

"  It  has  fewer  defects,  and  more  excellencies, 
than  any  work  of  the  kind  I  have  ever  seen  ;  and  I 
most  cordially  subscribe  to  the  '  Opinion  of  the 
Work,'  which  precedes  the  Preface." 


Letter  of  Rev.  John  S.  Stone,  D.D.,  Brookline,  Mass. 

"  Gentlemen  :  I  have  read  considerable  portions 
of  '  The  Compani(m,'  and  am  led  to  believe  that  a 
perusal  of  the  whole  would  justify  the  elaborate 
'  Opinion  of  the  Work '  prefixed  to  the  author's 
Preface.  In  its  variety,  asivell  as  in  its  evayigelical 
spirit,  it  supplies  a  want  which  many  have  felt,  and 
may  be  used  with  comfort,  and  to  edification,  both 
to  those  who  give  and  to  those  who  receive  the 
ministries  of  Christian  consolation  and  instruction, 
amid  *  the  changes  and  chances  of  this  mortal 
life.'  " 


OPINIONS    OF    THE    CLERGY.  6 

Extract  from  Letter  of  Rev.  Thomas  AfHnson,  D.D. 

"  I  have  examined  '  The  Companion,'  and  am  on 
the  whole  very  much  pleased  with  it.  The  expres- 
sion on  64th  page  I  would  omit — '  they  with  us.'  It 
favors  a  practice  unauthorised  by  our  Church,  and 
susceptible  of  gross  abuse.  The  general  tone  of  the 
hook  is,  hoicever,  altogether  free  from  exception  on 
this  ground,  and  is,  I  think,  admirable.  Its  varied 
prayers,  taken,  most  of  them,  from  the  best  sources, 
supply  a  loant  often  felt  both  by  Clergy  and  Laity, 
and  especially  by  the  latteii',  in  seasons  of  sickness 
and  trouble." 

Extract  from  Letter  of  Rev.  H.  M.  Mason,  Easton^ 
Maryland. 

"  In  its  tone,  it  is  truly  saintly.  It  is  of  that 
class  of  works  in  which  the  soul  delights  to  refresh 
itself  from  the  perplexities  of  life,  and  the  elemental 
strife  of  controversy.  Its  odor  is  of  heaven  for  the 
chamber  of  the  sick.  It  is  not  a  work  of  which  it 
would  be  becoming  to  speak  in  the  language  of  lit- 
erary panegyric.  In  any  devotional  book  there 
must  either,  directly  or  indirectly,  be  conveyed 
some  doctrinal  teaching,  but  he  who  is  most  alive 
to  the  interest  of  Christ  and  his  Church,  will  find 
in  this  volume  nothing  that  is  not  fitted  to  increase 
his  affection  for  both.  I  know  not  its  author,  bu\ 
he  cannot  be  otherwise  than  *  *  *  *  -who  has  pre- 
pared so  well  a  book,  which  so  fills  the  mind  of  th( 
reader  with  the  desire  at  least  of  growing  in  good 
ness.  I  could  wish  that  the  office,  in  full,  for  th( 
Visitation  of  the  Sick,  had  been  added.  It  is  super 
fluous  to  say,  with  such  an  appreciation  of  the  vol 


6  OPINIONS    OF    THE    CLERGY. 

ume,  that  I  heartily  wish  it  success,  and  that  the 
author  may  find  his  reward  in  time,  as  well  as  in 
eternity,  in  the  blessing  of  many  a  world- wearied 
heart,  and  in  the  divine  approbation  to  a  good  and 
faithful  servant." 

Extract  of  Letter  of  the  Rev.  Wm.  I.  Kip,  Albany. 

"  I  have  examined  the  '  Companion'  with  much 
pleasure,  and  consider  it  the  best  collection  of 
prayers  for  the  sick  and  afflicted  with  which  I 
have  met.  They  are  admirably  selected,  and  seem 
to  contain  every  variety,  adapted  to  all  cases.  It 
will  be  particularly  valuable  to  the  clergy  in  their 
pastoral  labors.  It  is  published,  too,  in  a  way  to 
form  a  beautiful  volume." 

Extract  from  Letter  of  Rev.  Dr.  Van  Kleeeh  of  Troy. 

"  I  am  happy  to  find  in  it  what  I  have  long  desired, 
a  collection  of  prayers  and  meditations,  soxind  in. 
d/jctrme^  pure  in  sentiinent^  correct  in  taste.,  and  devo- 
tional in  feeling,  which  could  only  have  been  compiled 
by  one  deeply  imbued  with  the  spirit  of  the  Liturgy, 
refined  in  taste,  and  tender  in  sympathy  and  piety. 
A  few  expressions  and  alterations  of  the  very  words 
of  the  Prayer  Book,  all  of  which  are  with  me  sacred 
and  dear,  are  only  as  spots  on  the  sun  of  its  many 
excellencies.  May  its  radiant  sunshine  illumine  many 
a  darkened  chamber  and  many  a  saddened  hearth, 
and  its  excellent  author  have  his  recompense  in  the 
grateful  prayers  of  the  sick,  the  sorrowful,  uud  the 
dying." 


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